Mental Health Awareness Month at Carriage Court

Mental Health Awareness Month was originally celebrated in 1949. That was 73 years ago! The goals of the sponsoring organization, originally the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America), were to improve attitudes toward mental health/illness, improve services for mental health clients, and promote mental health.

Older adults are more at risk of depression due to things such as more chronic conditions, loneliness, loss of independence, neurological disorders, and social isolation.

Not everyone is always comfortable or willing to talk about how they are feeling. Some of the common signs or symptoms of depression are: persistently sad or anxious, void of any emotions, feeling hopeless or guilty, increased irritability, increased restlessness, loss of interest in activities of pleasure, increased fatigue, difficulty in making decisions, difficulty in sleep, change in eating habits, significant change in weight, or thoughts and maybe conversations of death or suicide.

It is important to attend to mental health just like you would physical health. A person’s mental health can affect chronic illnesses, increase aches and pains, and take away their peace of mind. The act of being physically active can boost a person’s mood and aid in protecting against mental illness by promoting motivation, positive mood, increased energy, and increase in serotonin levels which can assist to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.

At Carriage Court Senior Living Hilliard, OH we understand depression is a treatable condition like diabetes or hypertension. Don’t settle for being depressed at any age! It is not a normal part of getting older. A primary care physician or mental health specialist can address chronic feelings of sadness.