October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

ST. LOUIS: October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Did you know that 20% of adults aged 55 and older have experienced some sort of mental health concern? Still, nearly one in three of those seniors does not receive treatment. MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services for more than three decades, educates the public about important symptoms that warrant special care in the elderly.

The American Psychiatric Association summarizes that mental illness is a health condition involving emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The most common mental health issue among senior citizens is cognitive impairment or dementia. There are currently an estimated 5 million adults aged 65 and older, or 11% of the senior population, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Depression and mood disorders are relatively common among older adults and often go undiagnosed and untreated. The CDC reports that approximately 5% of senior citizens report experiencing depression and about 11% report they have felt depressed at some point in their life.

Along with depression, anxiety is an increasingly prevalent mental health issue among the elderly. Anxiety, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes including increased blood pressure. According to the CDC, more than 8% of adults over age 65 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

As we age, changes in our body and mind are inevitable. However, persistent cognitive or memory loss, as well as extreme anxiety or long-term depression, are serious and should be addressed by a doctor. MediNurse encourages the public to be aware of these symptoms:

1. Changes in appearance, dress or ability to maintain the home or yard.

2. Confusion, disorientation or problems with concentration and decision-making.

3. Decreased or increased appetite, with resulting notable changes in weight.

4. Depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks.

5. Feelings of worthlessness, unexplained guilt, helplessness or thoughts of suicide.

6. Memory loss, with repeated lack of short-term memories.

7. Physical problems that cannot be explained, such as constant aching or stomach issues.

8. Social withdrawal, and loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyable.

9. Difficulty handling finances.

10. Unexplained fatigue, energy loss or dramatic changes in sleep patterns.

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it is important to consult your primary physician, who can refer you to an appropriate specialist if needed.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.