Mental illness is a biologically based disorder just like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.  Mental illness disrupts a person’s ability to think, feel, relate to others and perceive the world.  It is the nation’s second leading cause of disability after heart disease.

Older adults with a mental health problem experience a wide range of symptoms.  The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and with respect to health and other aging considerations.

People generally keep their same preferences, personality and behavioral traits throughout their lives.  Marked changes in these areas are not a normal part of aging.

Because there are so many issues that can impact mental health, contact a professional who can assess and treat problems when an older person experiences a few of the following symptoms:

Symptoms:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Agitation, irritability, restlessness, moodiness
• Withdrawal from community, social situations or formerly enjoyed activities
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or burden
• Feelings of hopelessness and negativity
• Decreased energy, fatigue and being “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping
• Physical complaints that are hard to explain and resistant to treatment such as digestive disorders, headaches, heart palpitations and chronic pain
• Increased talking, racing thoughts, strange behavior
• Inappropriate social behavior
• Delusions or hallucinations (believing things that are not true or seeing / hearing things that are not really there)
• Denial of obvious problems
• Increasing inability to cope with daily challenges, activities or small problems
• Overuse of alcohol, medications and/or drugs
• Suicidal expressions and ideas that killing oneself would bring relief (a person with this symptom needs immediate attention)
  

There are many types of mental illnesses. A professional should assess the problem and make an appropriate diagnosis.  A person trained in “geriatric” mental health knows the unique ways that older adults experience mental health problems and age appropriate treatment options.

Please note: this list is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool. It is very important to seek a professional evaluation if you have concerns about these symptoms.