5 Early Warning signs of Mental illnesses to watch in Seniors

By Holly Shaw

When it comes to physical illnesses, checking signs and symptoms are quite easier to spot. However, the warning signs of mental problems are not always too obvious. As people age, it is important to keep an eye on their overall health and well-being.

As a person ages, his memory also changes. Although memory loss is normally experienced by older adults, it should not disrupt their daily lives. For some people, noticeable changes are first seen in their behavior, abilities and memory. It is their families and friends who notice these primary changes.

Here are five of the early signs of mental illness occurring in older adults:

Sudden Changes in Behavior

Jane Byrne, project manager at a nursing home in Bray, says that, “Behavioral changes belong to the primary signs of mental illness in elderly people. In the past years, it has served as a hallmark sign that a person should undergo mental health service.”

There are different causes for this condition. One cause is the painful injury that makes an individual agitated. Another factor that triggers sudden changes in behavior is the living situation which can cause short-term withdrawals. But in most cases, these changes in behavior do not have underlying causes. This is the reason why it is recommended to discuss the concerns with a medical expert as soon as possible.

Normal Patterns Alter

Although this concern is a broad aspect to discuss, changes in a person’s normal patterns is another sign of mental health issues. It is not easy to determine since humans face changes on how they do things as they age. However, this should not be overlooked.

One way to observe this change in normal pattern is when the older adult shows disinterest in his favorite hobby. You can observe him in his self-care, emotional or physical aspects.

Indecisiveness

The third of the earliest warning signs of mental problems you need to observe in elderly people is difficulty or inability to make decisions. This condition can be the cause of other existing issues such as anxiety and depression.

Making decisions is a process that involves judgment and memory function. These can be impaired once a person is suffering from a mental health concern.

Less Social Interaction

Social withdrawal is another aspect you should look for in determining mental illness in a person. Having social interaction does not end when people reach their golden years. Within these years, children, relatives and friends live their respective lives and form new bonds and remain active socially. These social interactions are still crucial for older adults’ mental health.

However, once you notice that your senior starts withdrawing from these events, there may be some concerns in mental illness. If the elders start to dislike being around with many people, it is recommended to consult a health professional.

Misplacing or Losing Things

You might have observed that your elders tend to place keys in a dryer or somewhere and find difficulty in retracing steps. Misplacing things and showing inability to retrace something are also warning signs of mental health issues. It usually appears as a normal behavior in many people, but experiencing the same things more often indicates a more serious concern.

Conclusion

No one should think that mental health issues including anxiety, memory loss and depression are normal experiences of older adults. If you are concerned for your loved ones, it is best to take them for a mental health service once you observe these top five signs of the occurrence of mental health problems.

Look for the most trusted professionals near you to get help for your loved one’s condition. You can also learn more about managing mental illnesses on defyingmentalillness.com.

Author Bio:
Holly Clark has been working in the care industry for 5+ years. She regularly blogs about both the personal and practical challenges of caring and is always actively working on producing informative content. Holly is currently writing for Firstcare.

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