While we openly discuss illnesses ranging from diabetes to cancer, what often gets brushed under the carpet is mental health. When Dr. Sanjay Chugh, an eminent Delhi-based psychiatrist, is asked about mental health awareness among the elderly, he responds with an anecdote. He recalls a definition of good health that is etched in his memory from his days as a student. It is something very basic, and yet people are generally ignorant about it.
“While studying medicine, around 40 years back, the World Health Organization (WHO) had an apt definition for good health. It is something that has stayed with me. It said health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a state of complete physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Ever since I became a doctor, I have seen people, especially in a country like ours, focus only on physical health and not pay attention to their mental wellbeing. Let alone seniors, even adolescents and adults are not too concerned about their state of mind.”
Dr. Chugh has a point. The statistics confirm it. According to the WHO figures, approximately 15 per cent of adults aged 60 and over have a mental health disorder. The current pandemic leading to social isolation has further aggravated this condition among seniors. Therefore it isn’t surprising that the World Mental Health Day observed last month, stressed the need to focus on the mental health of senior citizens.
According to the WHO definition, a mentally sound individual must be able to realise their capabilities, cope with regular stress and be productive towards the community. Mental health is important in order to maintain meaningful relationships and appreciate life to the full.
There is a discomfort surrounding mental health issues due to a number of reasons. In India, the social stigma attached to mental health has not waned over time. “People do not really know the importance of talking about mental health. They do not really understand what constitutes mental wellbeing and do not know what to do to promote mental health,” says Dr. Chugh. Remember that when we talk of wellness or wellbeing, as per the WHO recommendation, it should include all aspects of our existence – physical, mental, emotional and social.
As is evident, apprehension and poor judgement often come in the way of reaching out for help. “When we talk about mental health conditions, essentially we are talking about problems which involve the thought process—also known as cognition,” explains Dr. Chugh. “Thoughts, emotions, behaviour, social or relationship aspects, all form part of the mental health process. If there is an impairment in any of these domains then there is a possible psychological or a psychiatric condition,” he adds.
A question that may arise is why are seniors significantly more prone to mental health issues? Just as physical abilities deteriorate with age, cognitive functions also decline. As physical stamina decreases, a sense of helplessness may dawn in leading to negative thoughts. In old age, one of the commonest problem related to cognition, is dementia. Although dementia occurs in older people, it is not a sign of normal ageing. Some of the common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, to name a few. Depression is another common problem. “Negative thoughts, hopelessness related to the future, worthlessness, feeling trapped, anxiety, social withdrawals, sleep and appetite issues are some of the common signs,” says Dr Chugh.
There are a few ways to keep your mental health in top order. First, and foremost, follow a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Eat nutritious food, get adequate sleep, stay away from smoking and alcohol, lead a stress-free life, etc. According to Dr. Chugh, playing chess, Sudoku, solving crosswords and puzzles are some of the best exercises for the brain. “Also, force yourself to interact with people because it’s raw material for the brain,” he adds.
Merely concentrating on physical health or staying disease-free isn’t the way to good health. If you are experiencing psychological issues consider getting medical assistance, just like you would for any other disease. There are also severe forms of mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Just as every illness is different mental issues require different forms of treatment—ranging from psychological counselling to sessions with a psychiatrist or medications.