Informed Care ER Card
June 2008

Changing Attitudes on Mental Health

Mental health is a complex and often misunderstood paradigm. The roots of mental health disorder are diverse and can include food allergies, genetics, traumatic events or experiences, and hormonal changes, among many others. There are also a variety of treatments for mental health disorders, and each path of treatment should be tailored to the individual. Treatments can, and often do, include a combination of counseling, vitamins and herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes, and prescription medications. Your doctor is available to help you discern what is the best option for you and your lifestyle. It never hurts to ask.

Mental health is a diverse topic covering many types of disorders, not just depression. Common mental health disorders include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Anorexia and Bulimia
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Bipolar disorder and Manic Depression
  • Substance abuse, i.e. co-occuring disorders
  • Depression
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Pre-menstrual Disphoric disorder
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Panic
  • Schizophrenia
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Self-injury
  • Social Anxiety

An individual will often experience more than one type of mental health disorder, and may only experience a certain disorder at one time during their life. The warning signs for a change in mental health are similar for all disorders, and include:

  • A change in appetite, increase or decrease
  • A change in libido, increase or decrease
  • A change in desires (i.e. not enjoying activities and friends that once pleased the individual)
  • A change in sleep patterns, increase or decrease
  • Paranoia
     


Celebrating Older Americans Month

The Department of Health and Human Services recently dedicated Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the many ways older citizens enrich our Nation. As of the July 2006 census, there were 37.3 million people over the age of 65 living in the United States, accounting for 12 percent of the total population.

This year´s theme, “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities” encourages Americans to build partnerships that help older citizens maintain dignity and independence for as long as possible. There are often many resources for older Americans within a community, including:

  • The town hall, which will have information about housing, taxes, veterans’ affairs, flu shots, etc.
  • Senior centers, which often organize activities and informational sessions
  • VFW posts
  • Pharmacies often have information on Medicare and Medicaid, visiting nurses, health maintenance, medication and supplements
  • YMCAs often have fitness classes and classes on health and wellness later in life
  • Local AARP chapters

These resources will help you to keep moving and stay connected, and combined with regular doctor visits and screenings will keep you healthier and independent longer.

 


Depression and many other mental illnesses can begin later in life

The human body goes through many changes as it ages. These changes can include or trigger changes in mental health because the mind and body are infinitely connected. The following occurrences could trigger a change in mental health:

  • Death of a spouse or friend
  • Change in medication
  • Development of serious or limiting medical condition
  • Movement to assisted living

As you go through major life changes, remain aware of your mental health. Refer to the list of warning signs mentioned above and talk to your doctor frequently. Maintaining a healthy mind is directly linked to maintaining a healthy body, and vice versa. A regular exercise routine and a healthy diet are not only good for the body; they are also good for the mind. Overall health is the single biggest factor in remaining active and independent as you get older.

 
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