Supporting Older Adults Living with Mental Illness
Mental Illness Awareness Week, recognized each October, is a time to raise awareness about mental health conditions and how they impact people of all ages. While mental illness is more often discussed in the context of younger adults, it’s important to remember that older adults also face unique challenges related to mental health.
According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 15 percent of adults aged 50 and older experiences some type of mental health concern. The most common conditions include depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. Many older adults also struggle with substance use disorders and severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. These conditions can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder schizophrenia, and more.
While each illness has its own symptoms, all can interfere with daily life, relationships and overall well-being. Mental illness is not a normal part of aging, nor is it a sign of personal weakness. Like other health conditions, it is treatable, and with the right support, people can manage symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
Is it Mental Illness, or is it Aging: How to Tell the Difference?
Many symptoms of mental illness can look similar to the changes that come with aging, which is why it can be hard for caregivers to approach the situation. For example, depression in older adults can mimic dementia, causing forgetfulness, withdrawal or difficulties concentrating, leading caregivers to suspect memory loss rather than a mood disorder. Likewise, the hallucinations or delusions that can occur with schizophrenia may be mistaken for cognitive decline or medication side effects.
The best approach for caregivers is to watch for patterns and persistence. If a loved one’s changes in mood, memory or behavior are interfering with daily life, lasting longer than a few weeks or seem to come on suddenly, it’s important to bring these concerns to a doctor. Asking for a comprehensive evaluation that includes both physical and mental health screening is key in figuring out what the root cause of your loved one’s symptoms is. Your own observations will also help your loved one’s doctor better understand what might be going on.
Supporting Older Adults with Lifelong Mental Illness
When caring for someone who has lived with a mental illness for much of their life, it’s important to recognize that their needs are likely to evolve as they age. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or chronic depression may be impacted by other age-related changes like mobility loss, physical health issues or memory challenges, so the treatments and care strategies that were effective earlier in their lives may need to change to reflect their current reality.
Older adults may also require medication adjustments, as aging bodies process drugs differently and may experience harmful interactions with medications prescribed for other conditions.
Continuity of care—staying connected with long-standing mental health providers when possible—is vital to ensuring stability. You can support your loved one by encouraging them to maintain familiar routines, monitoring for new symptoms and coordinating between mental health professionals and primary care doctors.
Above all, care should be provided with respect for the older adult’s history, preferences and independence, recognizing the resilience they’ve already shown in managing their illness throughout their life.
Local Resources That Provide Support
Older adults coping with mental illness and their caregivers are not alone—there are resources available to provide support, treatment, and education:
- Benjamin Rose – Behavioral Health Services: Offers specialized counseling and support for older adults facing depression, anxiety and other behavioral health concerns in the Greater Cleveland area.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Provides education programs, family support groups and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness and their loved ones.
- Your local Department of Behavioral Health or Addiction Services: Most counties and states operate departments that can connect you to mental health providers, crisis lines, and treatment programs in your community. Moving Forward with Awareness and Compassion
Mental Illness Awareness Week is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health—and that seeking support is a sign of strength. For older adults, compassionate and dignified care can mean the difference between struggling in silence and living a life of connection, meaning and hope.