The Madison Senior Living Kansas City, MO – Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was originally celebrated in 1949. That was 73 years ago! The goals of the sponsoring organization, originally the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America), were to improve attitudes toward mental health/illness, improve services for mental health clients, and promote mental health.

I believe there are several reasons why older adults are more at risk for depression. One is social isolation. Everyone needs to have connection to others, but older adults often find themselves spending more time alone. Other reasons could be environmental changes, change in social status, memory loss, or physical health decline.

Potential signs of mental health distress in seniors include their appearance, weight loss, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, helplessness, social withdrawal, unexplained fatigue, energy loss, or sleep changes.

It is important to attend to mental health just like you would physical health. Mental health is just as important as our physical health, the two work together. If you maintain good mental health, that contributes to good physical health.

At The Madison Senior Living Kansas City, MO we understand depression is a treatable condition like diabetes or hypertension. Don’t settle for being depressed at any age! It is not a normal part of getting older. A primary care physician or mental health specialist can address chronic feelings of sadness.