Mental health needs
of older Americans have long been ignored. People mistakenly believe
that mental health problems are a normal part of aging. This is
false. When mental illness occurs, it is real and should be treated.
The more we learn about our mental health the more we will be
prepared to help ourselves.
One of the most undiagnosed
but treatable mental illnesses is depression. The American Association
for Geriatric Psychiatry indicates that 15 of every 100 Americans
over 65 suffer from depression. There is no one cause of depression.
For some people only one event can bring on the illness. It may
be triggered by a loss such as the death of a spouse, friend or
relative, retirement, change in one's living situation, and decline
in one's health status. Depression is sometimes triggered by prescription
drugs. Scientists also think some illnesses can cause depression.
Genetics may also play a role. Studies show that depression may
run in families. Left untreated the impact of depression on elderly
individuals can be devastating. Older adults have the highest
suicide rate of any age group in this country. The National Institute
of Mental Health (NIMH) states that adults over the age of 65
accounted for 18 % of all suicide deaths in the year 2000.
According to OWL, the
Voice of Midlife and Older Women, the nation's mental health system
is geared toward people who recognize they have a problem and
seek help. Many elders do not fit this description. They do not
seek help because they do not know what is wrong, they only know
they feel bad. Also, depression may mask itself as a physical
problem such as lack of sleep, a stomach ache, lack of energy,
loss of weight or other physical problems.
Everyone gets the blues
once in a while. It is a part of life but when you can find little
joy in life at times when you should be feeling joy there may
be a problem. Being depressed without letup can change the way
you think or feel.
The National Institute
on Aging lists the following signs of depression and suggests
that if these last for more than two weeks a person should see
their doctor.
• An "empty" feeling,
ongoing sadness, and anxiety.
• Tiredness, lack of energy.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, including
sex.
• Sleep problems, including very early morning waking.
• Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss).
• A lot of crying.
• Aches and pains that won't go away.
• A hard time focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
• Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless,
or worthless.
• Being irritable.
• Thoughts of death
or suicide, a suicide attempt.
The subject of mental
health makes some people uncomfortable but the first step to getting
help is to realize that help is needed. Some people think they
will "snap out of it" but it is important to seek help if your
symptoms don't go away. Start by talking with your family doctor
who may suggest you see a mental health specialist. Many doctors
have not been trained in geriatric medicine and the special problem
of depression in elders; therefore, if your physician does not
take your concerns seriously seek the opinion of another doctor.
One of the barriers
to care is the discrimination in payment for mental health treatment
by Medicare. While Medicare pays 80 percent of the doctor's fee
for treatment of "physical" illness, it pays only 50 percent of
the fee for mental health care. This leads many elderly on a tight
budget to avoid seeking care. It also leads society to downplay
mental health needs. This inequality in Medicare payments needs
to be addressed by Congress.
OWL suggests that there
are several myths regarding older Americans and mental health.
The following are a few of these myths.
1. Older Adults are
like everyone else. Therefore they don't need specialized service.
2. Older adults' doctors
take care of them; their needs aren't overlooked.
3. Depression is a
part of aging; older people with depression won't get better.
4. The system is doing
all it can to help older adults with mental illness.
Information debunks
these myths. Current Medicare policy does not promote the mental
health of older Americans. Only one in 20 depressed Americans
over 65 get help because depression and anxiety are often masked
as physical problems. There is also a shortage of geriatric doctors
who understand the health needs of elders.
Depression is not
a normal part of aging. Seek help. Mental illnesses are real,
common and treatable. Mentally healthy adults continue to learn
and grow, enjoy life and contribute to society.
Many organizations
can offer you more information on mental health. The following
are some of them.
The National Institute
of Mental Health 1-800-421-4211
Website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov.
The National Mental
Health Association 1- 800-969-6642
Website:http://www.nmha.org
The National Institute
on Aging 1-800-222-2225
Website: http://www.nih.gov/nia
The National Alliance
for the Mentally Ill 1-900-959-NMHA
Website: http://www.nami.org
OWL, The Voice of Midlife
and Older Women 1-800-825-3695
Website: http://www.owl-national.org
