Senior Mental Health: How to Age Well Mentally and Emotionally

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
two people thinking about senior mental health

The technical age for being a senior is 62, or retirement age. Some say 65 makes you a senior, which correlates with the age a person qualifies for Medicare. The World Health Organization identifies seniors as anyone over 60 when discussing mental health. Among that group, 20% struggle with a mental health or neurological disorder.  Americans over 65 make up 16% of the population. Sadly, this population accounts for a higher percentage of total suicides, 19%, according to reports. Unfortunately, substance misuse is also increasing among older adults, with over one million adults over 65 having a substance use disorder. The AARP research team conducted a survey on people 50 and older. In the two weeks before the survey, 45% of the participants reported having anxiety, 31% felt depressed or hopeless, and 52% had sleep disturbances. Symptoms like these reduce quality of life for our seniors. Mental Health and Aging …

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Supporting Children’s Mental Health

children

By Ashley Barnes, M.S.   Mental Health Concerns in Children   Though many people reflect on childhood as being a care-free time, children are not immune to mental health concerns that plague adults. Some of the most common mental health concerns in children include:   Anxiety: The CDC reports that about 9% of children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety; still, this doesn’t even reflect all children who struggle with anxiety, just merely those who have been evaluated and diagnosed (CDC, 2023). Signs of childhood anxiety may include ruminating thoughts, situational avoidance that may impact social engagement or school attendance, and panic attacks. Behavior Problems: Roughly 9% of 3-17-year-olds struggle with behavioral concerns that warrant a formal diagnosis (CDC, 2023). Those who have Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder may disrespect property, engage in harmful acts, or break serious rules. This behavior can be exacerbated by observance …

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Geriatric Mental Health and Home Visits

children

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Geriatric Healthcare Geriatric healthcare is the attentive medical care given to those over the age of 65 who are also referred to as seniors. Many individuals don’t seek geriatric healthcare until well into their 70s, 80s, or even 90s. A subspecialty in geriatric healthcare is geriatric psychiatry, as geriatric mental healthcare is a crucial aspect of geriatric healthcare in general. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes geriatric psychiatry as addressing the “biological and psychological aspects of normal aging, the psychiatric effect of acute and chronic physical illness, and the biological and psychosocial aspects of the pathology of primary psychiatric disturbances of older age” (APA, 2021).  Main focal points in geriatric psychiatry pertain to the “prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly and improvement of psychiatric care for healthy and ill elderly patients” (APA, 2021). Some of the most common psychiatric …

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How to Overcome Postpartum Disorder

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
How to Overcome Postpartum Disorder

Women, men, and adoptive parents can experience some postpartum depression (PPD). According to research, one in seven women who give birth will experience PPD. Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of PPD. All types can be overwhelming and take away from the joy of new parenthood. Postpartum disorders have been well-researched, and there are many treatments available. With help, you can make a full recovery. Keep reading to learn how your symptoms compare to the various types of postpartum disorders, why you are experiencing symptoms when others are not, and how to overcome postpartum disorders. Understanding How to Overcome Postpartum Disorder The more knowledge you have about PPD, the more power you can have over it. Learning about the various types of postpartum disorders is a significant first step in overcoming your symptoms. Below is a brief overview of the types: Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression can range from baby …

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Types of Therapy for Mental Health

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
types of therapy for mental health

Mental health therapy is more accessible today than ever, and the stigma of going to treatment is fading. Over 26 million people struggling with mental health issues are receiving treatment and experiencing success. Reports state that 75% of people in therapy receive benefits. Most therapists use a combination of the types of therapy for mental health. The more you know about each type, the easier it will be for you and your therapist to choose the best one to deal with your specific issues. Keep reading to learn the clinical definitions of different therapy categories and the techniques under each that may provide successful outcomes for you. Psychodynamic Therapy for Mental Health Psychodynamic therapy aims to find the source of your problems by delving into your past. It is believed that unresolved issues from your past are stored in your unconscious mind and reveal themselves in current thoughts, feelings, and …

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