By Iris Farrou
05 Aug, 2022
Geriatric Mental Health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Prevention, Uncategorized, Women's Health
aging parents, Depression, Depression symptoms, Elderly, Geriatric, isolation, Loneliness, Mental Health, Socialization
Our physical and mental health is directly connected to regular, healthy, and enjoyable
socialization with friends and family, colleagues, people who share our hobbies and interests…
With COVID-19 severely affecting our socialization levels, many found themselves with
increased loneliness, anxiety, and depression—thus bringing down their immune system and
overall physical health. However, it is a harsh truth that elders suffered from isolating and social
distancing extremely more than younger people.
Unfortunately, elder isolation and loneliness is not solely a COVID-related phenomenon. A
study by UCSF found that more than 40% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. The same
study also drew direct connections between loneliness, serious health issues, and death among
the elderly population. One can only imagine how much worse this got during COVID isolation.
Health Issues
Individuals with low social interaction levels are more likely to suffer from anxiety and
depression, and experts have found direct links between loneliness and suicide. Senior
individuals with limited social lives have also been found to suffer from worsened dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease—or rapid progression compared to elders with a rich social life—coronary
artery disease, heart failure, and increased risk of stroke.
Benefits of Socialization
The good news is that socializing helps combat most, if not all, of the health issues loneliness
creates. A social life can benefit elders because it:
- Increases mental awareness: when we interact with others, we remain connected to the
outside world and keep our cognitive abilities sharpened. After all, the brain is a muscle.
- Fights anxiety and depression: though these may be chronic conditions, socializing helps
keep anxiety and depression at bay—especially if both are related to ageing. At the very
least, it proves that others care and helps build a community.
- Support system: elder socialization reminds us there is a community of same-aged
people, as well as friends and family, who are present for emotional and physical help.
- Physical discomfort relief: though physical pain can be very sharp, socialization provides
a break from a lonely routine, gets us going, and takes our mind off of aches—even for a
little while.
Overall, elder socialization not only creates a healthier quality of life and has the potential to
extend life. With technology seniors can be closer to their loved ones much more easily: daily
use of social media, adopting a pet for companionship, utilizing companion services, trying to
enjoy meals socially, participating in local activities (if possible) and ensuring reliable
transportation are just some of the ways that eliminate elder social isolation.
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Understanding the signs of depression and anxiety
You’re having a bad day. Again. You’re feeling anxious and nervous, or even sad and hopeless. Everyone has moments of anxiety or sadness, but how do you know what your intermittent feelings of anxiousness or despondency are more than just a series of bad days? How do you know when you’re facing a more serious health issue and should seek treatment? Read on to learn more about anxiety and depression and their symptoms, and then take our brief questionnaire to determine if you should speak to a health care professional.
Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression impact men and women differently, and for some women, only appear during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Two of the most common issues that women face are anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.
Anxiety Disorder
There are a variety of diagnosable anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder
It is believed that anxiety disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, the environment, psychological factors, and development factors. Unlike the mild levels of nervousness that many people experience when faced with a finite stressful experience, anxiety disorders typically last at least 6 months, with symptoms escalating if untreated. Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all are predicated upon an excessive, irrational fear and dread
Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders are a more extreme, and interruptive form of the sadness that individuals can experience from time to time. When an individual suffers from depressive disorder, it can interfere with day-to-day functioning. Like anxiety disorder, depressive disorder comes in many forms that span the severity continuum including:<
- Minor depression
- Dysthymic disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Psychotic depression
- Season affective disorder (SAD)
- Bipolar disorder
Scientists believe that depressive disorders are caused by genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal, environmental, psychological, and social factors. While signs and symptoms vary depending on the diagnosed condition, in general, symptoms of depressive disorder may include:
- Persistent sad, “empty” feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Suicidal ideation or attempted suicide
- Physical pain in the form of persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems
If you feel that you are experiencing something more than occasional nervousness or despondency and that you may be suffering from anxiety or depressive disorder, complete the questionnaire below.
In the past month, have you (check all that apply):
Experienced repeated feelings of hopelessness or emptiness?
Experienced severe and unexplainable mood swings?
Felt like you are constantly worried about things you cannot control?
Worried about the amount of alcohol you consume on a daily or weekly basis?
Felt more than twice a week like you have little interest in activities, hobbies, work, friends or family?
Had difficulty sleeping more than twice per week?
Felt like you have no energy on most days?
Felt like you are worthless, a failure, or have let down your family, friends, or co-workers?
Had trouble concentrating or remembering details on a daily basis?
Felt like the world would be better off without you, or considered suicide?
If you checked 3 or more of the statements above, make an appointment to speak with your health care provider today. There are many available treatments for mental health disorders, and your physician can properly diagnose your condition and help you find a treatment plan that will work best for you.
Drs. Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello are concerned for the overall health of our patients. We can recommend options and specialists to help you overcome anxiety and/or depression.
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