Many people look forward to their golden years as the time to enjoy a new phase in life and to spend idyllic moments with loved ones. This can be an amazing new phase and it can also be full of change. While some change is welcomed, some can be overwhelming and less than positive. By the time you may have become older and wiser, though we are never done growing and we always need support. 

Aging adults often experience various emotional health concerns, including depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, older adults are often overlooked when it comes to mental health care. Many go undiagnosed and struggle without adequate care and treatment. Everyone deserves effective, comprehensive mental health care regardless of age. Therapy can help. 

Five Common Emotional Health Concerns in Older Adults

According to the World Health Organization , approximately 14% of adults over the age of 60 have a mental health disorder. It is highly likely that this number is actually higher as many seniors go undiagnosed and untreated. If you are experiencing mental health symptoms, don’t wait until things become unmanageable to reach out for help. 

The following concerns are often experienced by seniors:

1. Depression – One of the greatest issues for older adults is depression. Aging can often mean facing significant life changes that may increase your risk for depression. These changes and challenges can include health problems, social isolation, loneliness, reduced sense of purpose as well as grief and loss. Depression can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of depression can significantly impact the lives of seniors. Unfortunately, seniors rarely seek help, though depression is highly treatable.
2. Anxiety – Anxiety often appears in tandem with depression, and both are often unrecognized, ignored or overlooked. Although symptoms are often downplayed, anxiety is a serious concern with many comorbidities that can impact your physical and mental health. Overcoming anxiety is possible with counseling.
3. Grief and loss – Older adults experience grief and loss in various forms. Not only do we grieve the loss of those that pass, we can also grieve a change or perceived loss of identity, status, mobility, independence, interpersonal relationships, lifestyle, financial security, cognitive faculty and physical strength. The profound effect of grief and loss can have a major impact on the daily life of seniors. Grief can be difficult to process and work through on your own, therapy can help.
4. Alcohol and substance abuse – Abusing alcohol and substance is not age-related, but it can go unrecognized among those in their golden years. In fact, the percentage of seniors who knowingly or unknowingly misuse alcohol and substances continues to grow. Aging issues, such as retirement, disability and pain, losses, and loneliness are some of the reasons that provide opportunities for older adults to abuse alcohol and substances. Substance abuse can have a huge impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing. When left untreated, it can worsen and/or lead to additional serious medical conditions.
5. Self-harm – Episodes of self-harm are prevalent particularly to those aged 65 and over. Self-injury is also likely to be underreported due to strong emotions of shame and guilt. It often goes untreated, especially if it has become an ingrained habit for seniors trying to escape intense emotions. Therapy can help.

Don’t Wait, Carolina Counseling Services Can Help

Unfortunately, many seniors wait until their symptoms and concerns become unmanageable before reaching out for help. Don’t let this be you or someone you love. If you are struggling with symptoms of a mental health condition, grief, loss, sadness etc, therapy can help. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with skilled, licensed therapists. Call now to get started. Online appointments are also available making getting the help you need easier than ever before!