Exercising self-care when it comes to your mental health is an imperative part of living a happy, fulfilling life. More and more companies are now recognizing how pivotal it is to offer wellness programs and care for the psychological well-being of their employees. And while mental health manifests itself in a number of ways, what about for those over the age of 50?

 

Here are some of the things you should know about mental health over 50:

 

One in Five Older Adults Experience Mental Health Concerns

 

Mental health challenges aren’t a normal part of aging, but they can be inflicted upon people who are over the age of fifty. The most common concern revolves around anxiety and depression. The unfortunate thing is that many older adults who experience these mental health issues do not seek out medical treatment. This could either be because of stigmas surrounding mental health or because they believe this is a normal part of aging.

 

It’s Just as Important to Work On Mental Health as it is Physical Health

 

Many older adults are told that they should remain as active as possible. While this is absolutely essential to maintaining one’s health, older adults should also look to keep their mental health balanced as well. If an older adult has an untreated mental health disorder or is simply dealing with a temporary crisis, it can lead to substance abuse, diminished functioning and poor quality of life. In some cases, poor mental health can lead to an increase in the likelihood of an untimely death. 

 

If you’re a healthy older adult then you still have plenty of time to enjoy all of life’s precious moments. On top of taking walks and socializing, reading a book and participating in activities like meditation or yoga are effective ways of stimulating the mind – helping to truly heal your body and soul. 

 

Older Adults Are At Risk for Mental Health Disorders Despite Their History

 

A person may have not experienced mental health problems – or if they had mental health problems, they were able to manage them. Despite this fact, anyone can develop psychological issues as they age. Strokes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, diabetes or cancer can all contribute to the deterioration of someone’s mental health, leading to the abuse of medications, drugs or alcohol. 

 

Suicide Is a Risk

 

Believe it or not, older adults have the highest risk of suicide in the country. People who are 85 and above present the highest risk, while those aged 75 to 84 are the second highest. Unfortunately, older adults’ suicide attempts are more lethal than in other age brackets. 

 

Older adults often let their sadness from aging and other medical problems fester without consulting professionals. If you are an adult over 50 and feel you are starting to experience mental health problems, you don’t need to keep these problems to yourself. 

If you’re in the Winnipeg area and are over the age of 50, consult with My Winnipeg Therapist. Our specialists are here for you and your mental health needs. By caring for your mental health, our therapists will ensure a better quality of life for adults over 50.

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  1. […] My Winnipeg Therapist, we work with people of all ages from children and teens to adults over 50 and beyond. It’s never too early or too late to make your mental health a […]

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