Older adults may experience a number of mental health issues and concerns which can affect quality of life and impair daily functioning. Appropriate evaluation and treatment can help you to better manage or cope with these conditions.

 

Depression: Depression is not a normal part of aging. It is a very common and potentially serious condition in which a person feels sad or hopeless for a couple of weeks or longer. Other symptoms may include a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or people, change in appetite, disrupted sleep, excessive guilt, feelings of worthlessness, or thoughts of death or suicide.  For more information about depression, click here.

 

Chronic Health Conditions: Chronic health concerns such as ongoing pain, diabetes, or other issues may cause distress and interfere with quality of life. Counseling may help you better manage or cope with ongoing health problems. For more information about coping with chronic illness, click here.

 

Anxiety: Symptoms of anxiety may include chronic worry, obsessive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbance, prolonged agitation, and excessive fears. Anxiety may occur in response to life changes, health issues, traumatic events, stress, or loss. For more information about anxiety, click here.

 

Memory Loss or other Cognitive Disorders: Everyone experiences occasional memory problems. However, serious or ongoing memory problems can be caused by many things, such as medications, head injury, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease. Your physician may recommend specialized testing to evaluate memory or other cognitive problems and to determine the best treatment options.  For more information about memory loss in older adults, click here.