Mega Doctor News
As we age, we may experience certain life changes that affect our mental health, like coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. While many people adjust to these life changes, others may experience feelings of grief, social isolation or loneliness. When these emotions are constant, it can lead to mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
An estimated 4% of adults aged 70 and older have depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While depression is a true medical condition that’s treatable, like hypertension or diabetes, it’s not a normal part of aging. Older adults often experience challenges related to health or changes in life circumstances that may put seniors at an increased risk for depression.
Despite being highly treatable, mental health conditions tend to go undiagnosed and untreated in the elderly. In fact, one-fifth of older adults have some type of mental health concern like depression, anxiety or another problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but only a third of them who suffer from these illnesses get the necessary treatment to improve their mental health.
It’s important for seniors to understand that effective treatment options are available to help them manage their mental health issues and improve their overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeing a healthcare provider are the first key steps to getting treatment.
To educate the senior community on the distinct types of mental illness commonly found in the elderly and their effects on overall health, South Texas Health System and Prominence Health are teaming up to host the latestinstallment of the popular Senior Living Seminar Series on Friday, December 6.
Entitled “Living with Mental Illness,” the seminar will spotlight the causes, effects and treatments for mental illness issues in seniors.
Held in the Texas Room at South Texas Health System Edinburg from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the event will giveparticipants the opportunity to learn about risk factors that can lead to issues like depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health issues, and how to manage them.
The seminar will feature medical professionals and patient testimonials, as well as a healthy cooking demonstration and exercise demonstration.
In addition to the talks and demonstrations, the seminar will include a community health fair featuring no cost health screenings including blood pressure and glucometer checks.
For more information, and to register for this free event, please contact Veronica Galligan at 956-821-9569 or by email at Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com
| Who: | South Texas Health System & Prominence Health |
| What: | Senior Living Seminar Series Living with Mental Illness |
| When: | Friday, December 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Texas RoomSouth Texas Health System Edinburg1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539 |
