Mental Health and Seniors: Anxiety Heightened by Fear

Colliecia Wright/Media Intern

May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of mental well-being. While much of the focus often falls on younger populations, it's crucial to recognise that senior citizens also face significant mental health challenges. Anxiety, often intensified by the fear of the unknown, is a common yet overlooked issue among older adults. This article delves into the experiences of senior citizens grappling with anxiety and offers insights and strategies to manage this condition, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health at every stage of life.

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We live in a world constantly plagued with daily trials. People navigate life with uncertainties about their future plans and the well-being of those they care for most. As individuals progress through different stages of life, their worries often increase.

Senior citizens are particularly affected by these concerns. They worry about their health due to ageing, financial stability because their age group often faces employment challenges, and their family and friends because of life's unpredictability.

An article published by the American Psychological Association (2022) describes this as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD occurs when an older adult is concerned about health issues, money, family problems, and potential disasters. The article further states that these individuals have difficulty relaxing, sleeping, and concentrating and are easily startled.

It's Okay To Not Be Okay

Nora Tate, a 60-year-old from St. Thomas, Jamaica, is a senior citizen who has been open with her family about her challenges with anxiety. She states that because she has been on this earth for so many years and has seen so many things go wrong, she constantly worries about what will come next, not only for herself but also for her family. As a woman of faith, she states that if she does not pray at night, she has difficulty falling asleep due to the many concerns that plague her mind.

“I have to remind myself regularly about the power of my God; if I don’t do this, then every concern will start impacting my mental well-being negatively.”

Nora encourages those who look up to her to avoid this experience by trying to remain positive at all times. Though trials will come, always try to find the lesson within.

Check-in With The Men...

Vivian Edwards, a 65-year-old resident of St. Thomas, Jamaica, also shares his experience of anxiety. He constantly feels the need to be doing something and rarely gets enough rest. He says that inactivity bothers him, as he feels there are so many issues in the world and daily life that he can help solve.

“If I am not doing something, how am I fixing the problems that lie in front of me? Even though I love to always be on the go, I realise more and more every day as I get older that this is not a healthy way of living.”

He intends to make time for relaxation, despite being aware of his day-to-day challenges and the unpredictability of life.

Mental health is a very broad topic and, though heavily discussed, discussions rarely focus on senior citizens. If you know an older adult who may be experiencing bereavement, illness, loneliness, or isolation, pay attention to their well-being and inquire about their coping strategies during visits. Suicide rates are increasing, particularly among adults aged 65 and older, making it essential to recognise the warning signs and provide support.

If you find it hard to sleep, have difficulty relaxing, are easily startled, or always on edge, this might not be just a regular occurrence but could be an anxiety disorder that needs attention.

The American Psychological Association has provided useful tips for those struggling with this kind of disorder:

* Talk about your struggle with a family member or friend
* Adopt stress management techniques such as meditation, prayer, or deep breathing exercise
* Limit intake of current news

For more helpful information and tips for this journey, you can visit this link: https://www.aagponline.org/patient-article/anxiety-and-older-adults-overcoming-worry-and-fear/

Let us know in the comments...how do you maintain mental wellness?

Colliecia Wright, a media intern at Golden Designs, specialises in crafting press releases and blog articles. As a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology at UTECH, she is dedicated to uplifting minds through the power of words.