Mental Health

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Preventing Suicide
Preventing Suicide 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Suicide Prevention
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Updated May 2022

 

Suicide is preventable and everyone must take action if someone is depressed or expresses suicidal thoughts. Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Although they comprise only 16.5 percent of the U.S. population, people age 65 and older accounted for 18 percent (or 8,500) of suicide deaths in 2019.

Depression, one of the conditions most commonly associated with suicide in older adults, Studies show that many older adults who die by suicide — up to 75 percent — visited a physician within a month before death. The risk of depression in the elderly increases with other illnesses and when ability to function becomes limited.

Signs of depression:

  • Feeling nervous, empty, worthless, that you don’t enjoy things you used to, restless, irritable, unloved, that life isn’t worth living,
  • sleeping more or less than usual, or eating more or less than usual

A suicidal person also may:

  • talk about or seem preoccupied with death
  • give away prized possessions
  • take unnecessary risks
  • have had a recent loss or expect one
  • increase their use of alcohol, drugs or other medications
  • fail to take prescribed medicines or follow required diets
  • acquire a weapon.

Suicide is preventable. Learn the signs. Immediate action is needed if a person is threatening or talking about suicide. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential. Call 211 for information on local mental health or counseling services. You can also call the South County Mobile Crisis Center at 561.495.0522, #2.

Sources: www.nimh.nih.gov,  www.healthyplace.com

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults
Mental Health Issues for Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults

 

  1. Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. The American Psychological Association estimates that around 20% of adults age 55 and above face mental health issues. Yet, less than 3 percent of older adults report seeing a mental health professional for their problems. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults. Mental health professionals have found that as a result of coronavirus restrictions the risk for social isolation and loneliness, anxiety and depression increases among seniors. Virtual communication does not replace in-person contact. The use of Facetime and WhatsApp are ways to see others in person.

The Medicare Advantage.com website lists several ideas for coping with these mental health issues:

  1. Use telemedicine as a way to contact your health care
  2. Use computers and smartphones to stay connected.

4.    Make lifestyle improvements such as physical activities, improved nutrition and getting involved with hobbies and other activities to manage physical and mental health.

There are many symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  1. Hopelessness
  2. Sleep problems
  3. Social withdrawal
  4. Eating more or less than usual
  5. Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  6. Frequent crying
  7. Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.

The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.

 

Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  1. “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  2. “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  3. “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  4. “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problem is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.

(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

1.     Preoccupation with gambling

2.     Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling

3.     Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling

4.     Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill

5.     Betting more than planned

6.     Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling

7.     Communicating a sudden need for money or loans

8.     Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits

9.     Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression

10.  Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 

11.  Pawning or selling personal items

12.  Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling

13.  Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble

14.  Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.

There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.

Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.

Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. The American Psychological Association estimates that around 20% of adults age 55 and above face mental health issues. Yet, less than 3 percent of older adults report seeing a mental health professional for their problems.  Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults. Mental health professionals have found that as a result of coronavirus restrictions the risk for social isolation and loneliness, anxiety and depression increases among seniors. Virtual communication does not replace in-person contact. The use of Facetime and WhatsApp are ways to see others in person.

The Medicare Advantage.com website lists several ideas for coping with these mental health issues:

  1. Use telemedicine as a way to contact your health care
  2. Use computers and smartphones to stay connected.

3.     Make lifestyle improvements such as physical activities, improved nutrition and getting involved with hobbies and other activities to manage physical and mental health.

There are many symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  1. Hopelessness
  2. Sleep problems
  3. Social withdrawal
  4. Eating more or less than usual
  5. Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  6. Frequent crying
  7. Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.

The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.

 

Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  1. “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  2. “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  3. “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  4. “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problem is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.

(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

15.  Preoccupation with gambling

16.  Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling

17.  Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling

18.  Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill

19.  Betting more than planned

20.  Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling

21.  Communicating a sudden need for money or loans

22.  Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits

23.  Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression

24.  Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 

25.  Pawning or selling personal items

26.  Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling

27.  Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble

28.  Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.

There is no shame in asking for help if you have one of the above problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, support groups, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient care for management of symptoms and medication.

Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Support Groups
Support Groups 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Support Groups
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker
Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you trying to cope with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other illness? Do you need someone to talk to? Well, there is help out there for you. It is not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up. Support Groups provide an opportunity for you to share your feelings, concerns, and ideas with others who are struggling with the same issues as you are.
In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others’ experiences, providing a sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.
Support groups help you realize that you are not alone in struggling with an issue or loss. If you have successfully coped with a challenge in your life, support groups provide you with an opportunity to share your story with others so that they might learn from you.

There are several support groups that meet in Century Village. These include: Alzheimer’s Support Group, meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1PM. The Faulk Center for Counseling 483-5300 sponsors Sharing and Caring support group every Thursday at 2PM in Room E. We Care (487-2827) sponsors a support group for persons with visual. Watch Channel 63 for contact information on other groups.
Several community organizations offer counseling and sponsor support groups. These include:
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561- 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbors 561-531-9844
Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
954-786-2305 
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Mental Health Association 561-712-0584.
MS Society for South Florida 800-344-4867
If you are interested in forming a support group on an issue of concern to you, contact Robert Goodman at We Care 487-2827.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

How is Your Mental Health
How is Your Mental Health 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

How is Your Mental Health
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that around 20% of older adults face mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults.
There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Hopelessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Frequent crying
  • Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.
The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.
Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  • “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.
(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
  • Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
  • Betting more than planned
  • Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
  • Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
  • Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
  • Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
  • Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 
  • Pawning or selling personal items
  • Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
  • Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.
There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.
Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.
Take action today! If you or if you know of someone who may have an alcohol or gambling problem get help. There are several state and Palm Beach County resources for help with these issues. They include:
Gamblers Anonymous 855-222-5542
Alcoholics Anonymous 561-994-5000
Crossroads Club 561-278-8004
Jewish Recovery Center 561-450-5503

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Coping with the Holidays
Coping with the Holidays 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Coping with the Holidays
By Robert Goodman, MSW

The holidays are supposed to be a time for family gathering, happiness, joyous celebrations, and hope. Unfortunately, for many, it is a time of loneliness and sadness. The stress of the holidays can cause anxiety and depression.
Here are some suggestions by psychologists and social workers on how to cope with the holidays:

  1. Understand how the holidays affect you. What do they mean to you?
  2. If your holiday blues are a result of the stress from all the extra demands of the holidays, do some things to reduce the demands. Rethink how you view and approach the holidays.
  3. If your holiday blues are stemming from past losses, take advantage of the holidays to help you complete your mourning and lessen your grieving over the loss.
  4. Organize and plan your activities during this period. Stay busy and avoid unstructured time. Spend time in the clubhouse, participating in the many activities that are available. Exercise. Get involved in synagogue or church activities.
  5. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
  6. Think of the blessings in your life: friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
  7. Volunteer your time.
  8. Try to avoid alcohol.
  9. Watch your finances. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
  10. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Seek professional help.
  11. Take time to reflect on past friendships and pleasant memories.
  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Coping with Loss
Coping with Loss 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Coping with Loss
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Over the past year I have lost a number of friends and neighbors. I find that as we get older we have to cope with death and dying more frequently. According to the AARP, about 40 percent of women and 13 percent of men who are 65 and older are widowed. Research has shown that men have a harder time coping with widowhood than women. Men don’t always have the social networks that women have.
Losing a spouse changes your life. Where once you had a companion to enjoy life with, now you have to learn to go it alone. You may have to learn new skills like shopping, bookkeeping, cooking, or cleaning. (One should learn these skills while still married.) You may have to learn new activities or develop new hobbies. This is not an easy adjustment and it takes time to accept this change.
It doesn’t happen overnight. You may experience many different emotions. Everyone grieves differently.
Grieving is normal. Initially you may feel numb and unable to do things. This feeling should change over time. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief that the person experiencing a loss of a family member may experience: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. A person can go through these stages in any order and they may be repeated. Each stage may last different amounts of time. People who are grieving often cry easily and can have trouble sleeping, little interest in food, problems with concentration, or a hard time making decisions. This is the time to accept help from family members and friends.
There are several things you need to do: First, take care of yourself. Eat properly, exercise, and don’t cut yourself off from others. Talk with friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. During this holiday season it is very important to be with others.
If your grief is severe and lasting a long time you might consider joining a support group or seek professional help if needed. For information on support groups or grief counseling call 211 or Jewish Family Service at (561) 487-4708. One of my clients keeps a journal. She writes down conversations she would have with her spouse if he were alive. This could be very therapeutic.
Getting involved in activities in your community is an important step in the mourning process. Volunteering is a great way to meet others and to help your community.
Grieving is a natural part of life. In order to navigate through it we have to allow others into our lives to help us with the process.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Support Groups
Support Groups 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Support Groups
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker
 
Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you trying to cope with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other illness? Do you need someone to talk to? Well there is help out there for you. It is not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up. Support Groups provide an opportunity for you to share your feelings, concerns, and ideas with others who are struggling with the same issues as you are.
 
In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others’ experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.
 
Support groups help you realize that you are not alone in struggling with an issue or loss. If you have successfully coped with a challenge in your life, support groups provide you with an opportunity to share your story with others so that they might learn from you.

There are several support groups that meet in Century Village. These include: Alzheimer’s Support Group, meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1PM. The Faulk Center for Counseling 483-5300 sponsors Sharing and Caring support group every Thursday at 2PM in Room E. We Care (487-2827) sponsors a support groups for persons with visual. Watch Channel 63 for contact information on other groups.
 
Several community organizations offer counseling and sponsor support groups. These include:
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561- 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbors 561-531-9844
Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900
 
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
954-786-2305 
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Mental Health Association 561-712-0584.
MS Society for South Florida 800-344-4867
 
If you are interested in forming a support group on an issue of concern to you, contact Robert Goodman at We Care 487-2827.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Preventing Suicide
Preventing Suicide 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Preventing Another Tragedy
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Suicide is preventable and everyone must take action if someone is depressed or expresses suicidal thoughts. Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Although they comprise only 12 percent of the U.S. population, people age 65 and older accounted for 16 percent of suicide deaths in 2004.
Depression, one of the conditions most commonly associated with suicide in older adults, Studies show that many older adults who die by suicide — up to 75 percent — visited a physician within a month before death. The risk of depression in the elderly increases with other illnesses and when ability to function becomes limited.
Signs of depression:

  • Feeling nervous, empty, worthless, that you don’t enjoy things you used to, restless, irritable, unloved, that life isn’t worth living,
  • sleeping more or less than usual, or eating more or less than usual

A suicidal person also may:

  • talk about or seem preoccupied with death
  • give away prized possessions
  • take unnecessary risks
  • have had a recent loss or expect one
  • increase their use of alcohol, drugs or other medications
  • fail to take prescribed medicines or follow required diets
  • acquire a weapon.

Suicide is preventable. Learn the signs. Immediate action is needed if a person is threatening or talking about suicide.Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential. Call 211 for information on local mental health or counseling services. You can also call the South County Mobile Crisis Center at 561.495.0522, #2.
Sources: www.nimh.nih.gov, www.healthyplace.com

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults
Mental Health Issues for Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Is Gambling or Drinking A Problem?
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that around 20% of older adults face mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults.
 
There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Hopelessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Frequent crying
  • Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

 
If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.
 
The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.
 
Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  • “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 
A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.
(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
 
According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
  • Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
  • Betting more than planned
  • Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
  • Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
  • Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
  • Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
  • Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 
  • Pawning or selling personal items
  • Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
  • Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.
 
There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.
Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.
 
Take action today! If you or if you know of someone who may have an alcohol or gambling problem get help. There are several resources for help with these issues. They include:
Gamblers Anonymous 855-222-5542
Alcoholics Anonymous 561-994-5000
Crossroads Club 561-278-8004
Jewish Recovery Center 561-450-5503

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Coping with the Holidays
Coping with the Holidays 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Coping with the Holidays
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
 
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family gathering, happiness, joyous celebrations, and hope. Unfortunately, for many it is a time of loneliness and sadness. The stress of the holidays can cause anxiety and depression.
Here are some suggestions by psychologists and social workers on how to cope with the holidays:

  1. Understand how the holidays affect you. What do they mean to you?
  2. If your holiday blues are a result of the stress from all the extra demands of the holidays, do some things to reduce the demands. Rethink how you view and approach the holidays.
  3. If your holiday blues are stemming from past losses, take advantage of the holidays to help you complete your mourning and lessen your grieving over the loss.
  4. Organize and plan your activities during this period. Stay busy and avoid unstructured time. Spend time in the clubhouse, participating in the many activities that are available. Exercise. Get involved in synagogue or church activities.
  5. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
  6. Think of the blessings in your life: friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
  7. Volunteer your time.
  8. Try to avoid alcohol.
  9. Watch your finances. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
  10. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Seek professional help.
  11. Take time to reflect on past friendships and pleasant memories.

 

Enter your
text here