Mental Health Awareness Month at Kingsland Walk

Mental Health Awareness Month was originally celebrated in 1949. That was 73 years ago! The goals of the sponsoring organization, originally the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America), were to improve attitudes toward mental health/illness, improve services for mental health clients, and promote mental health.

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition. It is not a normal part of aging.  Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive, but as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone, putting them at a greater risk for depression.

Potential signs of mental health distress in seniors include social withdrawal, changes in personal care, decrease in eating habits, changes in weight, unexplained fatigue, and energy loss.

It is important to attend to mental health just like you would physical health because good mental health affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with everyday life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

At Kingsland Walk Senior Living University City, MO we understand depression is a treatable condition like diabetes or hypertension. Don’t settle for being depressed at any age! It is not a normal part of getting older. A primary care physician or mental health specialist can address chronic feelings of sadness.