Senior Mental Health
Advice, information and support for family caregivers who are either providing hands-on care or making long-term care decisions concerning an older adults mental health.
Healthy aging involves more than remaining disease free. Common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders can have a negative impact on overall well-being for young and old alike. Mental health issues in older adults are not a normal part of aging. Moreso, these conditions are particulary impactful in the older population, because they often interfere with a senior's desire to seek treatment for other age-related issues. Although the CDC reports that over 20 percent of older adults experience mental health issues, the good news is mental health conditions are treatable.
To learn more about senior mental health, browse expert articles for information and resources as well as personal stories written by caregivers who share their own experience coping with mental health problems in the elderly. Find help and support in the caregiver forum from the shared wisdom of other caregivers. Whether you need answers to a specific question or just want to participate in discussions with those who understand, AgingCare can help you throughout the journey of caring for a senior with mental health issues.
Mental Health Articles
Understanding Mental Health Issues in Seniors
The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the elderly is challenging yet critical. Increasing awareness of the unique relationship between aging and psychiatric disorders is the first step toward improving mental health care for older adults.
12 CommentsGeriatric Psychiatrists: How Can We Help You?
What is a geriatric psychiatrist and how can they help caregivers and seniors? Caring for older adults requires a special understanding of their physical, social, and mental health needs.
57 CommentsWarning Signs of Depression in the Elderly
Depression is common in seniors but is not a normal part of aging. If you suspect an elderly loved one may be depressed, look for these symptoms.
13 CommentsAnxiety, Hoarding and OCD in the Elderly
Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress, but when a senior’s fears, worries and coping mechanisms negatively affect their daily activities, relationships and quality of life, it crosses over into a serious mental health condition.
7 CommentsPhysical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving
Providing care for a senior can be very rewarding, but without a balanced care plan and regular respite, family caregivers risk developing serious mental and physical health problems of their own.
12 Comments
Mental Health Questions
Is it wrong to hope someone dies?
976 AnswersBurntCaregiver Replied 41 min agoHow do I get out of the position of caring for my lazy delusional mother who did not have my best interests in mind when I was a kid?
14 AnswersBlueEyedGirl94 Replied 1 hour agoDad in SNF - day 1. What are the key things I need to know/do?
9 AnswersJoAnn29 Answered 2 hours agoWhy is my mom buying so much furniture where it doesn't fit in the house?
13 AnswersDrBenshir Answered 13 hours ago
Mental Health Discussions
On My Mind
9,866 CommentsDrivingdaisy Commented 15 hours agoJokes needed to lighten our day. Enter at your own risk!
8,667 Commentsbundleofjoy Commented Mar 27, 2025Only child caregiver rage: "You're all I have"
26 CommentsValentine15 Commented Mar 26, 2025General topics.
5,283 CommentsDrivingdaisy Commented Mar 26, 2025
