What’s normal?

As people age, they face many challenges and different sources of stress. They typically aren’t as strong and independent as they used to be; they’re more prone to illness and disease; and retirement from a full and engaging career can lead to loneliness and isolation. These are the normal challenges of aging that we will all experience.

It’s important to know that you are not alone.

Many Canadians are unaware of the strong connection between aging and mental health. Mental health is a topic that gets stigmatized so often in our society and gets misunderstood by those who have never experienced it. Yet, mental illness is experienced by 1 in 3 Canadians during their lifetime. Many Canadians are affected by it either directly or indirectly through family, friends or colleagues.

In adults over the age of 65, it is estimated that the prevalence of mental health problems ranges anywhere from 17 to 30 percent or higher, depending on what diagnoses are included in the analysis. For example, if sub-clinical depression and anxiety are added, these estimates rise to 40 percent of older adults.

While the process of aging can be frustrating for many, there are proactive approaches to aging and maintaining strong mental health. The side effects of aging can be delayed and managed.

When and how to seek help.

Do you lose yourself in the past, feel overwhelmed by the present, and find yourself pessimistic about the future?

Mental illness is not the same as feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation. For those with mental illness, the feelings that come from these kinds of stressful life events are so intense and prolonged that they may not be able to cope with the simplest aspects of everyday life.

A common form of mental illness in older adults is depression. Depression refers to feelings of helplessness which prevent you from enjoying life the way you once did. It is not the same as sadness, through it can be triggered by sadness caused by loss (loss of a loved one, lost of hearing), stress or major life changes (retirement, moving). Depression can also be caused by some medical conditions (chronic pain, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease) and certain medications and alcohol can cause depression as well. Or, depression may also develop for no reason.

Depression can affect anyone at any age, but is often not recognized in older adults. This is because some signs of depression can be mistaken for signs of aging, and also because older adults who are depressed may not complain about feeling low. When left untreated, depression may continue for weeks, months or even years. Untreated depression is the main cause of suicide in older adults.

The basis of most mental illness for seniors often stems from frustration, inability to perform tasks, loneliness, despair and the feeling of being unwanted or unneeded.

Share your concerns with your doctor.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and they both directly affect the other. People with physical problems often experience anxiety or depression, which affects their recovery. Similarly, mental health factors can increase the risk of developing physical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and significant weight gain/loss. Describe the behaviours or issues that concern you. Your doctor will be able to help you differentiate what is and isn’t normal. They will let you know when working with a therapist is a necessary or helpful course of action.

If you are a family member or friend of someone who is concerned about the health and wellbeing of an older adult in your life, start by letting them know you are a worried about them. Ask them how they are feeling and let them know you are there to listen and support them.

It’s going to be okay.

People sometimes assume that mental health treatment will mean medication or hospitalization.

Every person is different and their treatment will need to address their unique symptoms - that may or may not include medication or in specific instances hospitalization. However, if you are experiencing signs of mental illness, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible.

The most common treatment for those who have mental health issues is therapy. Within therapy you can learn how to talk about your thoughts and feelings, how to respond to them, and learn new behaviours and coping skills. When you are able to talk about your problems, they become smaller with less hold over your life. When you are able to respond your emotions - without shame - you weaken the destructive behaviours that control your life. When you are able to identify your triggers and warning signs, you can learn how to cope with life’s challenges in a positive and healthy way.

You are not a failure if you seek professional help.

Things unravel when when left untreated. But that doesn’t mean that it becomes too late. Addressing mental health challenges and developing healthy self-care habits will help you manage life stressors in now and in the future.