When it comes to discussing mental health care, the focus is primarily on teens and young adults. But, properly taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is important at any age. In many cases, the emotional care of seniors is reduced to feelings of isolation as mobility and social circles lessen. But there are many facets to mental health, especially for older adults. Below, we will discuss how therapy and mental health counseling can benefit older adults.
Sharing Thoughts With a Neutral Party
At the most basic level, therapy and counseling are about sharing your thoughts and feelings with a neutral party. Overall, you share your concerns, talk about your problems, and vent to someone who is trained to actively listen. They may help you understand a situation better, offer support, and help you work things out. As you build a rapport with your therapist or counselor, they may help you find perspective. Generally, the role of your counselor is to listen and not to judge.
Mental Health and Coping With Physical Wellbeing
As you age, your physical health will likely decline. For many older adults, seeing changes in their mobility, bodily capacity, energy levels, and dependency on others as a result of aging can be difficult. It can take a toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Having a therapist or counselor to discuss your feelings about changes in physical well-being can help work through your concerns.
Comorbidities and Coping
With age, older adults often face health challenges that can be overwhelming at times. Heart health issues, diabetes, cancer, and more can weigh heavily on those affected by these conditions. For some older individuals, these physical health issues can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Depression, Anxiety and Other Mental Health Conditions
Because of stigmas surrounding mental healthcare, many older individuals tend to shy away from seeking care. Additionally, much of the conversations around mental health issues tend to focus on younger generations. As a result, many of the older generations tend to view it as less important for them. But depression and anxiety can affect anyone, at any age. According to the CDC, as many as 5% of all seniors living in America have depression. However, given limited access to mental health resources, and negative stigma, many cases go undiagnosed. Because of this, it is difficult to know how many older adults face these issues. Among hospitalized seniors, estimates reach about 11.5%.
Mental Health Care And Facing Loss
As you progress into the later stages of life, the loss around you becomes more apparent. Close friends and loved ones pass away. Lifelong friends move across the country to retirement communities. Grandchildren grow up and you see them less and less. Loss manifests itself in a variety of ways, and none are easy to handle alone. Loneliness and isolation are common for many older adults. Therapy and counseling may help you work through feelings of loss, grief, and loneliness. Having a trusted professional to talk to regularly can also help you feel less isolated.
Guidance Through Lifestyle Changes
Mental health services can also play a role in working through changes in your daily life. For many older individuals, accepting that you need help at home can be difficult. Even adjusting to retirement can be a challenge for some. Therapy and counseling can help arm you with the tools you need to face these next steps of life. Accepting needing help at home, be it from a family member or a healthcare professional, can be hard for some individuals. Working with a mental health professional in tandem can help older people find the strength to adjust to changes in care needs.
Accessibility and Mental Health Care
Today, there is a wide assortment of options for mental health services. For those who cannot or do not want to venture out of their homes for mental health services, teletherapy and video appointments offer a good compromise. Our Certified Home Health Aides are also trained to help assist our clients in traveling to and from health appointments.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
