How Can I Assess My Mental Health?

With the onset of age many elderly people obviously worry about their mental health, particularly people over 65-years of age. What can be done to help assess any impairment?

Assessment through Physicians

A senior citizen who may be worrying about their state of mental health may be worrying needlessly, although sometimes there is a genuine need to get a check up from a doctor.

Elderly people who have been either ill or have suffered a fall may have been on forms of medication that cause cognitive ability to be slightly or severely impaired. This can have a dramatic effect on a person’s state of mind whether older or younger; it can be confusing especially in the elderly when all of a sudden the body does not respond in its normal way to everyday tasks for example.

A doctor can help ease some of that worry for an elderly person through a simple assessment using question and certain mental health scales, and will also take into account any medication that could have a psychosomatic effect on the brain or noticeable effect on the body.

Geriatric Assessment

Geriatric Assessment does not mean an elder person has to worry that they have a geriatric mental health problem. It is generally a scale that is used when a doctor assesses the need for further treatment or primary care. Techniques in geriatric assessment over the last 5 years have improved so much so, that the onset of any problems that may be occurring in the body or brain can be caught early and treated.

This is why it is important for any senior citizen to see a doctor as soon as they notice any un-nerving bodily responses or cognitive issues such as anxiety, mood swings, forgetfulness and bodily tremors.

Sometimes the cause for concern could be just medication, but in some cases the need for further investigation is necessary. Of course mental health is a serious issue for many, and may be seen as embarrassing or a need to stay indoors and not socialize. These are even more reasons not to keep quiet about a problem, so senior citizens are encouraged to seek medical help.

Related posts

1. How Can I Avoid Major Mental Health Issues As A Senior?
2. How Can I Lower My Stress To Improve My Mental Health?
3. How Can I Get Help For My Mental Health?
4. What Health Supplements Should I Take?
5. What Are Mental Health Issues For Seniors?

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