Mental illness can strike at any time

Mental illness plagues close to one in five adults in the U.S. It can emerge in response to a difficult life experience, or just as a physiological development. The good news is that mental illness is treatable, but knowing when to seek help can sometimes be a challenge.

Watch for signs of mental illness

Decline in personal care
Losing interest in personal hygiene and appearance are early signs that someone is struggling.

Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
A sudden increase or decrease in appetite can be a sign that your body is having a stress response. Look for weight loss or weight gain over a fairly short period of time. Likewise, needing several extra hours of sleep every day or being unable to sleep can be symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Social withdrawal
The world is full of brilliant introverts who prefer alone time. If, however, you are feeling a sudden and persistent loathing for social situations or a complete unwillingness to interact with people, that may go beyond introversion.

Substance abuse
A desire to self-medicate in order to battle negative feelings can lead to greater struggles. Watch for an increase in alcohol use, unnecessary prescription medication use and/or illegal drug use. If you feel you NEED a substance to get you through a situation, take a closer look.

Persistent, penetrating sadness
If you find yourself feeling hopeless, or if someone you love expresses persistent hopelessness, this may indicate that the sadness is coming from inside.

Excessive fears and worries
We all worry, but fears and worries that interfere with our daily experiences in school, work or social circles can be cause for concern.

When to seek help for mental illness
One or two of these signs, does not mean you necessarily have a mental illness. If you are struggling with everyday functions and experiencing several symptoms at once, it’s time to call a doctor.

Family doctor is a good starting place to seek help for mental illness
Your family doctor is a good place to begin for a referral or advice on next steps. You can also call 211 to talk with a professional about local options for mental health care. If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm or thoughts of harming others, seek emergency medical help immediately.

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Facts About Falls

Falls are leading cause of injuries in older adults

Falls are disturbingly common in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults over age 65 fall each year and the results of those falls can be devastating.

In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults, with about one in five people suffering moderate to severe injuries—causing loss of mobility, long-term care and even death.

Common risk factors for falls among elder adults

The National Institutes of Health have identified the greatest risk factors. Addressing them could be key in preventing thousands of injuries each year, and they could be key in preventing yours.

Weakness, especially in legs

That’s why it’s critical that people exercise throughout their lives, including their senior years. Weight-bearing exercises can be especially helpful, particularly for people who have osteoporosis, and be sure to get sufficient calcium and vitamin D.

Balance and gait

Exercise can help here, too, with many experts specifically lauding the benefits of Tai Chi. Balance and gait issues, however, can also caused orthopedic issues, such as arthritis, so addressing those issues medically is also important.

Low blood pressure

Whether constant or upon standing, low blood pressure can lead to fainting and dizziness, both of which are common causes of falls. Low blood pressure can result from neurological conditions, illnesses or simple dehydration. Once you understand the cause of low blood pressure, your doctor can help you treat it. Just be sure to drink plenty of water in the meantime.

Declining eyesight

Most adults find their eyesight declines with age, but cataracts, glaucoma and depth perception issues can make it dangerous. In addition to seeing your eye doctor regularly, adapting your environment can help. Increase lighting in your home and eliminate tripping hazards, such as rugs, power cords and low-level furniture and décor.

Medications

The more medications you take, the more likely you are to experience interactions that may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re experiencing any of those symptoms. He or she may be able to adjust your medications to alleviate those issues.

Simple steps go a long way toward preventing falls

Another way to address several of these factors and reduce falls for anyone is to install rubber mats in your bathtub and grab bars throughout your bathroom. It’s also wise to add double railings to any stairs inside or outside your home.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure. In this case, a few extra steps can make a tremendous difference in the quality and longevity of your life.

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