It is quite common for older adults to experience multiple health problems requiring a battery of medications. Mobility and agility may be compromised and many seniors report reduced social and emotional support—even isolation. That is why many people assume that getting older also entails a certain amount of depression. Since sadness is expected with advanced age, actual depression is often overlooked and untreated.
One in four older Americans experiences some mental disorder including depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia, according to the National Council on Aging. NCOA does not expect the situation to improve any time soon. “This number is expected to double to 15 million by 2030.”
It can be difficult to differentiate between the effects of mental illness and dementia in senior citizens. Misdiagnosis is common between the two conditions because of their similar signs and symptoms, such as confusion and mood swings.
There has been a lot of praise for Lady Gaga’s brief remarks at the Grammy Awards. The pop star received the award for best pop duo/group performance for the song "Shallow" from the movie A Star Is Born, and she used the opportunity to talk about mental health and the importance of seeking help.
More people in Virginia have had access to healthcare coverage since the beginning of the year. The Commonwealth joined 32 other states in expanding Medicaid coverage, giving more adults between the ages of 19 and 64 access to quality low-cost and no-cost health insurance.
It can be difficult to differentiate between the effects of mental illness and dementia in senior citizens. Misdiagnosis is common between the two conditions because of their similar signs and symptoms, such as confusion and mood swings.
National Depression Screening Day is held annually on the Thursday of the first full week in October, is an education and screening event conducted by hospitals, clinics, colleges, and community groups nationwide.
Much like the medical community screens for diabetes and high blood pressure, advocates would like to see large-scale mood disorder screenings for the public.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. It is a day for mental health education, awareness and advocacy to fight social stigma. World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global mental health organization “founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.”