Mental Health Awareness Month at The Parkway

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 at a higher risk for depression because they can have an increase of social isolation and loneliness. Older adults tend to be less active and lack physical activity and exercise; therefore, lack the release of “feel good” chemicals in their body like endorphins and serotonin. Older adults can also be at higher risk for depression because of medical diagnosis like dementia or history of stroke.

Potential signs of mental health distress in senior adults can be confusion, disorientation, problems concentrating, or making simple decisions. Other signs of mental health distress can be trouble sleeping or sleep pattern changes, fatigue, and loss of interest in things and hobbies that they usually do. 

It is important to attend to mental health just like you would physical health. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If mental health distress is left untreated it can lead to chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

At The Parkway Senior Living Blue Springs, MO 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.