Mental Health

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults

As we age many factors influence our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. For example, coping with the stress of a chronic or serious illness, loss of purpose, social isolation, and financial insecurity may lead to anxiety, sadness, and despair. When these feelings persist, they begin to impact our mind, body, and spirit. According to the World Health Organization around 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder. You are not alone, and help is available.

  • Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
  • Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
  • Increased worry or feeling stressed
  • Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
  • Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
  • Misuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Sadness or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
  • Engaging in high-risk activities
  • Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
  • Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
  • Engaging in thinking or behavior that is concerning to others
  • Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel

Source: National Institute for Mental Health

Where to Start if You Have Questions or Need Assistance

Mental Health Awareness

Find Treatment

Call St. Elizabeth Physicians Behavioral Health, (859) 301-5901

Your Primary Care Physician or Nurse Practitioner and others in the Primary Care Office are your best resources for navigating the aging process. They will know you and your health history and can help you understand new changes in your mental and physical well-being.

For more information on the importance of primary care as we age, read the National Council on Aging’s article, How Primary Care Keeps Older Adults’ Health on Track.

If you don’t have a Primary Care Physician:

Self-Care Tips

Mental Health Awareness

Find Treatment

Call St. Elizabeth Physicians Behavioral Health, (859) 301-5901

The National Institute for Mental Health provides these self-care tips:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and well-being—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
  • Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
  • Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
  • Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Additional Resources for Well-Being

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Learn more about healthy practices for your mind and body .

There are things we can do to improve our well-being.  The National Council on Aging has multiple resources to help you age well.

NKY/Greater Cincinnati Resources

ADRC (Aging and Disability and Resource Center)
The Northern Kentucky Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides service to anyone seeking information about services and supports for the aging and disabled populations. Resource counselors are available to help individuals with identifying needs and providing information on available community wide support options for older adults (over 60), individuals with disabilities and/or their caregivers.
Contact: ADRC@NKADD.org
Phone: (859) 692-2480
Toll Free: (866) 766-2372

Florence Senior Center
(859) 282-4061
7431 US 42, Florence, KY 41042
Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
60+ afternoon meals/ food Assistance

St. Charles Senior Resource Center
(859) 261-0746
3705 Winston Avenue, Covington, KY 41015
Hours: Open daily until 4:30 p.m.
seniorresource@stcharlescommunity.org
Providing help to navigate the complex world of senior care to help older adults stay independent and in their homes. Consultations are free of charge and are offered to hose 62 years and older and to their families. Additionally, they do have some resources for supplies and medical equipment.

Salvation Army:
Salvation Army/Cincinnati
(513) 762-5660
131 E. 12th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Social Ministries – Mon. – Fri. — 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Salvation Army/Northern Kentucky:
(859) 261-0835
1806 Scott Street, Covington, KY 41014
Community Service Center
Hours: Mon. – Fri. — 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Food Pantry: Mon. and Fri. — 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Campbell and Kenton County Residents only

Social Security:
7 Youell Street, Florence, KY 41042
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Phone and Walk-in appointment available
Northern Kentucky: 1-866-504-4224
National Number: 1-800-772-1213
Cincinnati Ohio: 1-866-593-1519

VA Medical Center
(513) 861-3100
Cincinnati: 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours: 24/7 Providing primary care and specialty services
Mental Health Clinic
(513) 475-6325

Senior Housing
Aldersgate Apartments: (859) 282-1180
Cornerstone Crossing Senior Apartments: (859) 447-9444
Panorama Apartments: (859) 581-4445
Panorama Plus: (859) 746-8090

Northern Kentucky University has developed a comprehensive list of resources for Northern Kentucky, Southwest Ohio, and Southeast Indiana. Click here to access this list.