This display from Minnesota is a reminder that today is the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month. May has been set aside since 1949 to raise awareness about mental illness and fight the stigma surrounding it.

Of course, mental health is important in every stage of our lives, but there are certain aspects that are of particular interest to older adults. It is estimated that about 7% of older adults worldwide are affected by mental illness, often related to decline in physical health, loss of loved ones, and social isolation. Up to twice as many suffer from anxiety that can manifest itself in many ways. Dementia is not considered a mental illness but depression can often mimic the symptoms and/occur along with it. Finally, there is growing concern that older adults may misuse alcohol and prescriptions drugs.

The risk factors for mental illness in older adulthood can stem from conditions that appear later in life–both physical and otherwise. Chronic health conditions, disability, uncontrolled pain, and other physiological issues can challenge a person’s mental well-being. While adults are living longer, they often do so with a greater sense of loneliness and isolation coupled with a loss of independence. Add to this major life transitions such as retirement, loss of a partner, or moving to an assisted living facility, and older adults find their mental health can be quite fragile.

Look many physical conditions, mental health can be treated. There are options such as talk therapy as well as medications. The best treatment, though, is prevention. As we age, the more involved we are in social settings, the more we exercise and eat properly, and the more regularly we visit our health professionals, the more likely we are to stave off mental illness or be able to treat it if it does occur.

May is a good time to reflect on how we are doing, and how those around us are doing. Get educated and make sure to talk to a medical professional if you are worried about your mental health or that of a loved one.

Have a great May everyone!