Seniors, like other age groups, experience mental health issues and mental
illness. Seniors' mental health is very important since seniors are living
longer and sometimes developing mental health issues late in life.
Seniors' mental health issues are often mistaken as a natural part of aging.
However, the symptoms and problems associated with mental illness can be managed
with the help and support of health care providers. This can prevent these problems
from getting worse, can restore health and maintain or enhance well-being.
As well as the many mental illnesses that can affect the general population,
seniors are at a very high risk of suffering from:
- dementia
- depression
- anxiety
- delirium.
Certain groups of seniors have a very high rate of mental illness, such as
seniors who live in long-term care facilities and those who suffer from chronic
physical conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
For more information about these mental illnesses please read the FAQ, "What
are the common mental illnesses that seniors face?"
Health care professionals and caregivers may have a hard time recognizing and
treating seniors with mental illness because the symptoms of mental disorders
that seniors experience may be different than the symptoms than younger people
experience.
Some seniors believe that mental health disorders and treatment are shameful
or that they represent a personal failure. They may deny having mental health
problems or refuse treatment from health care providers. Also, their family
members may not want to acknowledge mental health problems, which may prevent
their access to available resources. For example, depression may be mistaken
for a natural result of ageing or physical illness and may not be diagnosed
or treated.
A senior I care about may have a mental health concern - what should I do?
Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. If you feel that you or a
loved one may be suffering from a mental health issue, please speak with your
doctor or a mental health worker such as a nurse, social worker, psychiatrist
or psychologist.
Additional resources
Alzheimer Society of Canada
Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health
Canadian Mental Health Association
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Schizophrenia Society of Canada
What are the common mental illnesses facing seniors? – Canadian Health
Network (CHN)
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