Have you talked to your mom about her mental and emotional health as she ages? Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are not something only young adults face. They’re also very common in older adults.
Counseling Awareness Month occurs every April in order to raise awareness of the invaluable services trained counselors offer to people experiencing a mental health crisis or illness. The theme in 2023 is “Get Fit For Your Future.”
Ask Her to Be Honest
Doctors often use a quick survey form to determine if depression is a risk. You could ask your mom the same questions and ask her to be completely honest. The questions are:
- Is she satisfied with her life?
- Does she feel empty?
- Does she feel happy the majority of the time?
- Is she in good spirits?
- Does she feel that she’s helpless?
- Does she feel that her situation is hopeless?
- Does she feel worthless?
- Does she feel it’s great to be alive right now?
- Does she prefer to stay home than go out?
- Does she find herself bored?
- Does she feel others are better off than she is?
- Is she afraid bad things will happen to her?
- Is her memory becoming a problem?
- Has she withdrawn from activities that used to make her happy?
- Is she energetic?
It’s fine if she’s not perfectly happy in all aspects of her life, but if she’s answered the majority of these answers in ways that paint a bleak picture, depression is possible. It’s important to have her work with a counselor or therapist.
Anxiety is different. Does your mom often feel tense or panicked that she’s said or done something wrong? Does she find her heart racing without notice or reason? Improperly managed stress can lead to anxiety.
Fewer Than Half of Older Adults With Anxiety or Depression Get Help
An estimated 20 million older U.S. adults have an anxiety or depressive disorder. Less than half of those who have one seek care. Older adults and their family caregivers must advocate for themselves and make sure their needs are addressed.
If your mom has the signs of depression or she’s frequently panicked or anxious, talk to her doctor to get a referral or recommendation for her to see a counselor. If she’s ignored or her doctor tries to downplay it, be ready to step in and insist that she’s taken seriously.
Arrange for Home Care Assistance
Mental health concerns can be exacerbated by loneliness and isolation. If your mom is alone and unable to leave her house often, make sure she has people visiting. You may not be close enough to visit her, so make sure you arrange companion care services and home care assistance.
Your mom has the support she needs, and you’re not pressed to find time to spend with her during the work week. Learn more about schedules and prices by calling a home care assistance specialist.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Tuscola, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 325-244-0877
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Childress County, Cottle County, King County, Stonewall County, Fisher County, Nolan County, Hardeman County, Foard County, Knox County, Haskell County, Jones County and Taylor County in Texas.
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