The "I'm Fine" Problem: Why Older Adults Avoid Admitting Mental Health Struggles

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week occurs from October 4th to October 10th. Awareness will be raised everywhere, from social media and beyond. Most content, though, will revolve around spotting signs in younger adults. Too often, mental illness is considered only a young person's ailment. 50% of mental illnesses do present before age 14. That is not an insignificant number. However, what about the remaining 50%?

As it turns out, mental illness affects 20% of adults over the age of 60. Millions of seniors are living with a mental health issue, yet many aren't seeking treatment. It's a growing problem and there isn't an easy solution.

The Most Common Mental Illnesses in Seniors

Three main categories of mental illness are the most prevalent in the older population. These conditions include:

• Depression

  The most commonly diagnosed mental illness in seniors is depression. Aging brings many risks of developing depression. Grief after losing a spouse or friends makes a person susceptible. Social isolation, certain chronic conditions, and even medication side effects can also lead to depression. Leaving depression untreated, via therapy or medication, can lead to cognitive impairment.

  
  

• Anxiety Disorders

  Anxiety disorder is an umbrella term that covers several conditions. For seniors, the most common disorders are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, OCD, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Treatment typically combines therapy and medication.

  
  

• Substance Abuse Disorders

  This diagnosis can be surprising. Elderly substance abuse is on the rise and going unnoticed. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, followed by prescription drugs. The main culprits are opioids and benzodiazepines. A caveat: sometimes, seniors unintentionally abuse their own prescriptions by taking too many or mixing contraindicated substances.

  
  

Why Older Adults Avoid Admitting Mental Health Struggles

It's hard for anyone to admit they are struggling mentally or emotionally. The elderly, though, are one of the least likely groups to do so. According to the CDC, adults 30-44 were more likely to have taken medication for a mental health issue than those aged 65-74. Meanwhile, adults 75 years and older were the least likely to receive counseling or therapy. What barriers prevent older adults from seeking treatment?

• Generational Stigma

  It's not controversial to say older generations were raised differently than the younger ones. Parents and children, by virtue, experience very different upbringings. The current cohort aged 65 and older is from the Baby Boomers generation. This time period was notorious for its negative view of mental illness. This group was raised to view it as a weakness and something to simply push through.

  
  

• Belief That It's a Normal Part of Aging

  Many symptoms of mental illness overlap with what we consider "normal" aging. We all expect to slow down and tire easily as we age, and yes, we all expect to have sad times here and there due to grief or loneliness. Depression persists, however. It isn't a sad day.

  
  

  An anxiety disorder isn't rational worry about health. Irrational and worsening fears and compulsions are a red flag, not par for the course. When we ignore mental illness symptoms, we can't treat the underlying disorder.

  
  

• Not Wanting to Be a Burden

  Many adult children are part-time or full-time caregivers for aging parents. These parents are usually afflicted with a chronic condition or two, like heart failure, diabetes, or lung disease. Once an older adult recognizes mental health symptoms as a problem, they may be wary of adding another condition to their child's plate. It's important to remind aging parents that their health is never a burden. Likewise, treating mental illnesses can help ease some physical symptoms.

  
  

• Not Recognizing the Signs

  Everyone knows signs like persistent sadness and anxious thoughts, but mental illness often manifests in physical symptoms too. Depression can cause fatigue and aches. Anxiety can cause digestive issues. These somatic symptoms can be waved away as part of other health problems, instead of the emotional disorder they truly are.

  
  

We Can Help

Companionship and regular check-ins can make a world of difference in the treatment of mental illnesses. If your loved one could use home health services, call us today at 240-744-0674.