Myths and Realities of Alcohol, Medications, and Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults
Know The Facts
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Key Statistics
- Seniors who feel comfortable talking about their mental health. 87%
- Seniors who have discussed a mental health concern with their primary care provider. 19%
- Seniors who met with a mental health professional. 10%
%
Seniors who currently experience depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance use, or another mental health disorder.
Understanding Myths vs. Realities
Myth
Only older adults who consistently drink a lot of alcohol have an alcohol problem.
Myth
Feeling sad or depressed is part of growing old. There’s nothing you can do to help the older adult.
Myth
Older adults suffering from depression or anxiety disorders lack the inner strength to fight the debilitating feelings.
Reality
The key point in determining a problem is how the alcohol affects the person’s health, functioning, and relationships with others. For example, in people with medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, even one drink per day can be a problem.
Reality
Depression is common among older adults, but it isn’t a normal part of aging. Believing that depression is inevitable prevents older people from seeking and getting the help they need.
Reality
Depression and anxiety disorders have many possible causes. Lack of inner strength is not one of them. Causes of depression and anxiety include heredity, stressful events such as the death of a loved one, retirement, health problems, and reactions to medicine. Drug interactions and alcohol and drug combinations can also lead to depression and anxiety.
*SAMSHA, Get Connected: Linking Older Adults with Resources on Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health