The mental health of seniors is a pressing issue. This population is at risk for developing mental health issues and yet few resources are available to help people cope.
Because seniors are often left alone – whether divorced or widowed – or are dealing with one or even numerous illnesses at the same time, the development of a mental health disorder can easily occur. The problem is that seniors rarely reach out for help due to a lack of resources, or due to pride.
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But reaching out for help can be highly beneficial for their mental health. If you’ve not been feeling like you, and are considering treatment, here are a few signs that reveal it’s time to seek out therapy.
Three signs you should seek therapy
Emotional signs
If you experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, you’re overwhelmed and feel overall out of control, these are feelings tied to mental illness. Additionally, you may feel disconnected, anxious or numb. These, too, are emotional signs of mental illness.
Therapy can help with emotions by exploring the root cause of your feelings. A professional therapist can use techniques and ask questions that really pinpoint what is causing you emotional distress. Furthermore, therapists can offer advice and tips to help combat these emotions. You and your therapist can create goals to work towards, which can help ease emotional distress.
Physical signs
Sometimes the physical signs of a mental illness can be masked by other illnesses. Especially in seniors who typically experience more aches and pains, a diagnosis of mental illness is often overlooked as many doctors simply run tests to determine the root cause of the physical pain.
Other physical signs of mental illness include a lack in personal hygiene and care. Not eating proper meals or not staying hydrated are some physical signs of mental illness. Other signs include over-indulgence. This can be with food, exercise or gambling. Sometimes, as a coping mechanism, people will try to distract themselves by over-indulging in other activities.
A therapist can help you explore the root of your under engagement or over-indulgent tendencies. They can also help you create a plan to live a more well-balanced life.
Relationship signs
Our relationships can reveal a lot when it comes to mental illness. Maybe a friend or relative is prompting you to seek therapy already because they notice a change in you. Additionally, maybe you know someone dealing with emotional and physical distress, but taking the time to nourish their needs can also take a toll on your own well-being.
A counselor can help you better understand your relationships and make them stronger. If you’re prone to having negative relationships, the therapist can aid you in breaking the same patterns that have led you to negative people. Breaking these patterns will help to create more flourishing, positive relationships.
Overall, by recognizing the signs of mental distress it can prompt you to seek out therapy. Therapy can help people in many ways, but the first step is to be willing to seek the help.
Related Reading:
Can talk therapy treat your mental health?
Talk therapy utilizes conversation as a form of expression to release inner feelings. Individuals can discuss whatever is on their mind and how they are feeling as a means of working through the issue. Continue reading…
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Want to protect mental health? Play more computer games
Traditionally, it was believed that memory decline wasn’t something people had to worry about until the age of 60. However, recent studies suggest that it could actually begin as early as 45 years old. The Harvard Medical School has been doing extensive research in the area of memory and mental health for many years, boasting many studies that recommend taking the good ol’ fashioned approaches when it comes to mental health in seniors, such as exercise, social activities, etc. Continue reading…
Sources:
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