Mental health is important at every stage of life, and mental illnesses are experienced by both younger and older adults, and deserve equal attention and understanding. We have a collective responsibility to include older adults in the discussion surrounding mental health care, both to reduce the stigma of seeking help and treatment and to change the perception of what we expect wellness to look like over our lifespan.

While many people commonly believe that mental health issues are inevitable in older age, this is actually not true. For example, while some people experience chronic illness throughout their lives, many others do not, and are diagnosed with treatable mental health conditions later in life.

In order to raise awareness of mental health concerns in older adults specifically, it is helpful to recognize the factors that may be contributing to decreased mental wellness. For example, as we grow older our bodies change. Our relationships with friends and family as well as our living situations also all can change. We may be confronted by grief, loss, or personal and financial setbacks. Our physical health may require more attention, and we may take more medications. All of these circumstances affect the ways in which we interact with and perceive ourselves and the world around us, which, in turn, affect our mood and behavior.

So what can we do to invest in the mental health of older adults? First, we can treat all people with dignity and not underestimate their resilience. Often, older people are confronted by questions about their sense of purpose or feel lonely and isolated. We need to realize that these experiences do not have to be synonymous with older age. Mental health care includes providing older adults with opportunities for socialization and sometimes involves helping solve basic problems, like transportation, which can lower stress, improve community connectedness, and increase feelings of belonging, positivity, and sense of safety. Therapy can also be an effective way to help mitigate symptoms of mental health concerns and is a valuable tool in increasing feelings of overall wellness and life satisfaction.

If you or someone you know feels uncertain about whether or not they should consider pursuing mental health care, consider some of these indicators:

Changes in energy levels or mood
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling sadness or hopelessness, or thinking about harming yourself or someone else

Most importantly, talk to someone you trust about your thoughts and feelings. Encourage your loved ones and the older adults you know to consider placing more importance upon their mental health. If you don’t know where to start, try talking to your primary care provider or a mental health professional who may be able to help guide you to getting the help you or someone you know needs.

Kristen Lindley is a Self Space Seattle therapist who has experience working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, aging, grief and loss, eating disorders, trauma, and women’s issues.

Mental Health and Older Adults