Mind your mind
27 Mar 2024
It’s a topic Australia is still not good at talking about, but keeping an eye on your mental health is a key to positive aging.
Dementia may get the headlines when it comes to the mental health of seniors, but there are other things to look out for as well. Things like depression, anxiety or an increase in worry or grief can all affect seniors as they get older.
Mental health is important for everyone, not just the elderly. A positive outlook on life makes things easier, but it is not always easy to achieve. But there are plenty of things you can do to ensure you have the best shot at a positive outlook on life. Try these simple measures including:
1. Get some zzzs
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to help your mental health is to get a good nights rest. Most adults need about eight hours of sleep per night, and if you do not get it you can be on edge. Keep screens out of the bedroom, go to bed at a regular time and ensure you are comfortable in your bedroom with the right pillow, the right temperature and you will be on your way to a good rest.
2. Exercise regularly
It is well documented that regular exercise can assist with depression and low mood. You won’t feel like going out for that walk, but you will feel better when you have got some decent exercise. Exercise makes you feel good because it releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that lift your mood.
3. Catch up with people
Depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by a sense of isolation and loneliness, so one of the best things you can do to feel better is visit family and friends. These relationships help us feel connected and can be a key factor in keeping the demons of mental illness at bay. Stay connected, even when you find it hard to be around others.
4. Tell people how you feel
Older generations are not as comfortable talking about feeling mentally unwell. It can be seen as a sign of weakness; you can worry about being stigmatised or rejected. However, times are changing, and many people now recognise that sharing your worries can help you get through them. A problem shared is truly a problem halved.
5. Talk to a professional
If you are worried about more serious mental health issues like substance abuse or psychosis, see your GP for a diagnosis. Your doctor can also get you a mental health plan to provide subsidised visits to a counsellor or psychologist who can help you with some simple steps to getting on top of any mental health issues.
Also check out the wealth of online information from Beyond Blue, the Mental Health Charity, on depression and other conditions.
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