Older Americans' mental health week Published May 14, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Meghan Johnson 325th Medical Operations Squadron TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- May 19 to 25 is Older Americans' Mental Health Week. Depression is one of many mental health concerns that can arise in older adults. Depression affects the ability to function at a normal level for a prolonged period of time and affects more than 20 million adults overall and 6.5 million adults over the age of 65. Depression can manifest itself through many different symptoms that can be mild, such as a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping or more severe which will often prompt episodes of significant depressed mood, social isolation, sleep disturbance, decrease in energy, trouble concentrating and suicidal thoughts. People who are dealing with important life changes such as retirement, the loss of spouses, friends and other loved ones, and physical limitations or disability may begin to use alcohol as a means of coping with their anxiety and depression. In addition, about 10 percent of the elderly community actually suffers from some form of alcoholism. Growing older is seen as a time to enjoy "golden years" and have little to worry or be upset about. However, this view often disregards the many challenges adults face in older age. Individuals age 80-84 have a suicide rate of more than twice that of the general population and people who are 65 years or older account for nearly 20 percent of all suicides. There is a stigma that has been placed on mental health illnesses that can often discourage people from seeking help and treatment with less than three percent of older adults willing to seek help from mental health providers. Depression is not a sign of weakness and a diagnosis is not intended to be used as a label. There are many effective ways to treat all kinds of depression and each individual who presents with depressive symptoms is different. A truly depressed individual is not capable of just "getting over" their depression and may need treatment to get better. When depression is correctly diagnosed and treated more than 80 percent of patients will recover and return to their normal level of adaptive functioning. Treatment facilities have come a long way in overcoming barriers for older adults wishing to seek mental health care. Such improvements include the provision of transportation, third-party payment coverage and lessening the time between referral and the initial visit through collaboration of mental health and primary care providers. The integration and collaboration between the primary care physician and mental health provider has shown vast improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of late life mental health concerns as well. Not only is professional help available for older adults who may have mental health concerns, there are also techniques individuals can use to keep a healthy mind and body. At any stage in life it is important to have a healthy balance, which in this case includes a balance of emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs. The manner in which these needs are displayed and used may be altered as a person ages, but the need for this balance remains crucial. Emotional: Aging can take a toll on an individual's emotional health due to many factors. Older adults establish coping mechanisms earlier in life that have helped them deal with emotional hardships, but sometimes more than these skills are needed. Aging is a time of many highly emotional changes such as children moving away, losing friends and family to illness or age. Physical: Most individuals will expect changes to their physical health as they age, but physical changes can also affect emotional well-being. Many people are not prepared for how these changes will make them feel emotionally. Being physically fit can help with the emotional changes and help prevent illness in aging adults and seeking help to safely continue exercising is a great option to be physically fit. Social: Our social world is very important at any age it provides a social support system that can help when the need to cope with different situations is present. As individuals become older, they may be leaving old social groups behind in favor of people closer to their age and maturity level who can relate to the changes that they are experiencing. Older adults will often feel a closer pull to their families and to connect with children and grandchildren. Spiritual: Spiritual health takes many different forms and each person has their own level of spirituality unique to them. This balance is not necessarily affected because of aging, but belonging to a church and making friends could be a way to fulfill some social aspects of mental fitness for older adults. Resources available if you are concerned about you or a loved one's mental health: Tyndall Mental Health Clinic- 283-7511 Military One Source- 1-800-342-9647 TRICARE Behavioral Health- 1-800-700-8646 Military & Family Life Consultant- 896-5522 Emergency Mental Health Hotline- 873-8573 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8522