Flourishing Families Counseling

Geriatrics

Geriatrics, or elder health care, is a specialized field that focuses on the care and treatment of people over the age of 60. Therapy for individuals in the geriatric population can help improve overall health and wellbeing by addressing physical, emotional, mental, and social issues.

How Flourishing Families Can Help With Geriatric Therapy

Geriatrics is defined as “the study of old age and its diseases, and the treatment and care of aging” (Geriatric, n.d.). Therapy for geriatric mental health is aimed at addressing the psychological and emotional needs of those over 60 years of age. According to the Institute of Medicine (2012), nearly one out of five elderly Americans suffer from a mental health disorder.

Mental health disorders are present in around 15% of geriatric populations worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017). Elder abuse, chronic pain, financial stress, cognitive impairment, and loneliness are some of the primary factors contributing to psychological problems among older people (WHO, 2017).
 

When to Talk to a Therapist

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, but they must last for at least two weeks for a diagnosis. Some people with depression may not have any obvious signs. Some signs and symptoms of depressions include:
 
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Tiredness and decreased energy
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
  • Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
  • Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or self-harm
  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

 

If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, Flourishing Families Counseling can help. We’ll work with you to find support, solutions, and hope.

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