Senior’s mental health is reportedly the most difficult to diagnose of all ages which, most often than not, results to late diagnosis and delayed help and treatment. This is because depression with seniors is often mistaken with the natural process of aging itself and therefore, ignored.

The most common sign of mental illness is depression and there are many contributing factors which can dramatically increase levels of stress and depression in seniors like diseases, health problems, retirement, death and social life. These emotions are quite common to a living person no matter what age he’s in making it hard to separate senior’s mental state to that of a normal person.

We can only identify the signs correctly if we are well-educated with the matter at hand. When seniors are depressed, they tend to keep problems to themselves, keeping others at bay thus they became silent, withdrawn and sullen. During these times, most of them usually find refuge with alcohol and medications to somewhat ease the pain, both are known to be addictive with numerous side effects to boot. The number one cause of depression to seniors is their physical health. Deteriorating body state can change a happy man in a snap, creating a phase of confusion, fear and pain, both emotionally and physically.

Sudden lifestyle changes can alter a fairly contented man to an irritated, nonchalant individual. Considering that his once active, social and well-traveled life has quickly turned into a “trap” of limited range of motion, caregivers and lower income, surely there will be one case of depression abound. These unfortunate situations never fail to dramatically affect a senior’s emotional and mental health.

While Alzheimer’s disease is rumored to be a senior’s natural mental illness, studies have shown that this disease is not a normal part of the aging process. Although one significant risk factor of the said disease is age, we cannot disregard the link that this disease is found to be a result of some lifestyle factors such as smoking and eating fatty foods. That being said, it should be noted that a senior’s behavior stays pretty much the same until he experiences some life changing incidents.

Some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are memory loss, problems with language, does not recognize time and place, misplaced things, childlike behavior, mood swings, personality changes, and passive outlook in life. Almost all the symptoms mentioned, you can find in a non-Alzheimer person especially if it is still on the early stages. So it is best to check with doctors regularly to avoid late diagnosis.

However, if Alzheimer’s is out of the question already, there are ways to avoid inflicting stress to seniors’ life. By avoiding stress, you will be able to live and enjoy your life to the fullest. Here are some ways to ease stress:

1. ACCEPTANCE. Reality is inevitable and we know we can’t do anything about it, even if we tried hard. Death is natural and we all go through it as part of life’s cycle and at some point, we need to move on with our lives so why not do it now? We are certainly not getting any younger, right? However, this should not mean denying yourself of healthy mourning. Do what you need to do and get ready for your life’s next challenge.
2. GET HELP. Make your doctor as part of your life now since he will guide you on how to stay healthy and avoid diseases as much as possible. Ask questions if you need answers and take advantage of the things that will help make your life comfortable such as eyeglasses and hearing aid. If you are required to make some alterations on your current lifestyle like eating and drinking, please do so as it will help you make the most out of your life.
3. WIDEN YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. There are groups which you can join to broaden your support system. This way, you can meet new friends and you will get to know some people who might be able to help you out with your everyday needs. Don’t forget, there are still some individuals who are more than happy to extend their hands to help. In return, try to give support to those who suffered too. It’s always a two way street. Making friends knows no age. You can make friends with people younger than you are or even with those much older than you.
4. STAY ACTIVE. When you stay active, you will certainly not get bored plus you will be able to experience new things and learn from it. If you can afford traveling to interesting places, then do so and don’t forget to enjoy since that is what life is all about.