Mental Health Awareness Month at The KentRidge

Mental Health Awareness Month was originally celebrated in 1949. That was 73 years ago! The goals of the sponsoring organization, originally the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America), were to improve attitudes toward mental health/illness, improve services for mental health clients, and promote mental health.

Older adults are more at risk for depression because they may experience life stressors common to all people, but also stressors that are more common in later life, like a significant ongoing loss in capacities and a decline in functional ability.

Potential signs of mental health distress in seniors include social withdrawal, changes in personal care, changes in eating habits, depressed mood, substance misuse, issues with memory, hallucinations or delusions, and comprehensive care.

It is important to attend to mental health just like you would physical health because they are very closely connected. Mental health plays a major role in your ability to maintain good physical health. Mental health includes our psychological, social, and emotional well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and how we act in our daily lives.

At The KentRidge Senior Living Kent, OH we understand depression is a treatable condition like diabetes or hypertension. Don’t settle for being depressed at any age! It is not a normal part of getting older. A primary care physician or mental health specialist can address chronic feelings of sadness.