Your parent is getting older, and while they may not want to impose on your life or limit your freedom, you know they are struggling. In some situations, the struggle relates to physical changes, making tasks like doing the laundry or raking the leaves in the yard far too hard to do. This can be a simple problem to notice: your parent may show signs of pain, complain about aches, or let the physical tasks pile up. But when a parent’s mental or emotional health is compromised, the signs aren’t always so clear.
How Do You Know Your Senior Parent Needs Mental Health Support?
The studies are everywhere: seniors are at a high risk of suffering from mental health disorders. The National Council on Aging reports that up to 25% of all people over the age of 65 suffer from some mental health condition, including depression or anxiety. Not only are older Americans more likely to struggle with mental health, but they’re also less likely to talk about it to you, their adult children, who likely can offer some help.
Consider a few of the most common signs your senior parent needs more mental health support:
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Changes in mood
Significant changes in mood can be an indication that someone is struggling with a mental health concern. Ups and downs that are hard to predict can also be an indication that the person needs help. Age-related hormone imbalances may lead to mood swings, but stress and worry can affect mood as well.
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Personal hygiene changes
In some situations, changes in a person’s personal hygiene habits can be due to physical limitations. Other times, it’s brought on by depression. Your loved one may not seem to be sad all of the time, especially when you’re with them, but if you notice that they’re not taking care of themselves (bathing, changing their clothes, cleaning the house) that’s a sign something isn’t right.
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Medication misuse
Some seniors forget to take their meds. Others misuse meds, intentionally or unintentionally. If your loved one is failing to take their meds all of the time, especially if this is a sudden change, it may be due to mental health disorders. Pay close attention to changes in these habits.
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Onset of alcohol or drug use
Seniors can fall down the path of developing dependence and addiction, especially if they use substances as a way to self-medicate mental health challenges. You may notice they are drinking more often, even first thing in the morning. They may be using pain pills more often than before.
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Weight loss or gain
Seniors who struggle with mental health disorders may exhibit signs that are more physical in nature. You may be worried that they are not getting enough nutrition because they are losing weight. In reality, they may be engaging in emotional eating or simply not eating due to depressive episodes. Changes in weight can also indicate a health problem or dependence on a substance that replaces food.
How to Get Help for Your Parent
Older adults need just as much support and one-on-one guidance as those who are younger. They may not have career paths to climb or children to raise, but they do struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. For those who may be battling these types of complications, getting them help is life-changing and sometimes life-saving.
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we provide inpatient psychiatric and behavioral care for older adults. More so, we support those who have struggled with trauma and mental health conditions for years. In some situations, helping your parent means giving them the level of care they need to support their overall well-being and mental health. In our programs, care is always geared toward the individual’s needs and may include medication management, family therapy, and one-on-one therapy. Group therapy can also help.
If your older parent is struggling with depression, anxiety disorders, or even dual diagnosis with both addiction and mental health disorders, providing them with guidance means contacting us. When you do, you will learn more about our programs and the type of support your family members will receive.
Seek Out Help at Willow Creek Behavioral Health Now
You may not be too sure your loved one needs inpatient treatment for mental health disorders. You may not even know what type of care they need. That’s okay, as our team can offer you guidance and support.
Seek out a conversation with Willow Creek Behavioral Health now to start on the path of getting your senior parent the information they need to get help. It could safeguard their health and mental well-being for years to come. Contact us now to get started.
