Dixon, IL, is known for its rich history and tight-knit community, but like many places, its senior population faces challenges with mental health. Did you know that depression and anxiety are both the most common mental health conditions for seniors? For some of them, their mental disorders are enough to disable them.
It's important to recognize that you need help. Seniors should also recognize the difference between something like stress and anxiety, which can have similar symptoms.
Here's a quick guide on stress vs anxiety and how to prioritize senior mental health.
Senior mental health is tricky to monitor and treat, especially when many older adults were raised to repress their feelings. Stress and anxiety are also often confused with one another. As such, you'll want to know the differences in how they present themselves.
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. In most cases, it's a normal short-term response to specific external pressures.
An upcoming exam can cause stress to a college student. Someone who has to make a big payment may have stress regarding their finances.
For seniors, common stressors include adjusting to retirement or facing declining health. Any big changes put pressure on the people expected to adjust.
Symptoms of stress include:
Anxiety is an internal, persistent feeling of worry or fear. It's present even when there is no immediate threat, which can prove debilitating for anyone.
Seniors can feel anxious about events that have happened in the past, current problems, or even future challenges.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
Though overlapping in some symptoms, there are distinct markers that can help seniors and caregivers distinguish between stress and anxiety. In many cases, you can look at the triggers, duration, symptoms, and resolution.
In most cases, stress and anxiety are caused by specific triggers. Stressors are external events or situations that may or may not be in a person's control.
Anxiety triggers are more internal. A person could become anxious due to multiple events or factors. The immediate presence of those events is not necessary for a person to feel anxiety about them.
The duration of both stress and anxiety differ, as well. You can make a simple diagnosis based on if it goes away or lessens over time.
Stress is usually temporary and resolves once the issue is managed. However, it is possible for someone to remain stressed for long periods of time due to an ongoing situation. Even then, the stress will wax and wane accordingly.
Anxiety is a chronic worry that can last weeks or months. You can feel anxious as you wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. That anxiety can compound upon itself, creating a bigger impact on a person.
When a person suffers from stress, they may feel physical tension and become irritable. Simple tasks can overwhelm them and cause sensory overload.
Meanwhile, anxiety presents itself more as a chronic worry that creates avoidance behavior. Many people refer to a panic attack as an "anxiety attack", which causes severe cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms.
Stress usually goes away when the stressor is gone. It may feel like a weight coming off your shoulders.
In contrast, anxiety requires specific coping techniques or treatment to resolve. Even when the event ends, a person may feel anxiety regarding how they handled a situation or fear that it may happen again. It takes time and effort for them to learn how to lessen their anxiety.
Once identified, seniors can manage stress with some practice lifestyle changes.
One of the many relaxation strategies for older adults is mindfulness and meditation. Deep breathing or guided medication can help seniors stay present and calm. A few minutes a day can do a lot of good.
Physical activity can improve physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Seniors can try gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
Social engagement is another way to relieve stress, especially if a senior feels isolated from friends and family.
Anxiety relief requires more targeted approaches and proven techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals identify and challenge anxious thoughts. The goal is for them to reprogram their response to these thoughts and learn how to address new anxieties.
Breathing exercises are useful when a senior is suffering a heightened moment of anxiety. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing reduces anxiety by activating the body's relaxation response.
Emotional wellness for seniors is also achievable through anti-anxiety medications. Some people are predisposed to anxiety and suffer from it, like a chronic health condition. Seniors should discuss their options with their healthcare providers.
Occasional stress and anxiety are normal for people of all ages. However, they both become problematic when they disrupt daily life.
Too much stress can cause strain on a senior's body. A person with a lot of anxiety may isolate themselves away from the things and people that cause it.
Warning signs that call for professional intervention include:
A good way to deal with stress and anxiety is for a senior to move into an assisted living community. There, they can get the help they need and support from the people around them.
Knowing the difference between stress vs anxiety is only the first step. It's up to the senior to want help, whether that's through therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Only then can you improve your mental health and live a happier life.
Liberty Court is a retirement community located in Dixon, IL, that offers both assisted living and memory care. Enjoy the local golf course or take your pet over to any of the nearby dog-friendly parks. Contact us with any questions and to set up a tour.