{"id":595,"date":"2014-06-16T22:21:20","date_gmt":"2014-06-16T22:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/satisfyou.com\/jmd_client_sites\/flnav_wp\/?p=595"},"modified":"2020-10-03T01:37:28","modified_gmt":"2020-10-03T01:37:28","slug":"mental-health-issues-for-older-adults-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/2014\/06\/mental-health-2\/mental-health-issues-for-older-adults-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Issues for Older Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Is Gambling or Drinking A Problem?<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">By Robert Goodman, MSW<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hopelessness<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Sleep problems<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Social withdrawal <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Eating more or less than usual<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Frequent crying<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201c<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>\u201c<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>\u201c<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>\u201c<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Have you ever felt the need for an \u201ceye opener\u201d in the morning to steady your nerves?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A \u201cyes\u201d answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A \u201cyes\u201d answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Preoccupation with gambling<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Betting more than planned <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Communicating a sudden need for money or loans<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pawning or selling personal items<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Answering \u201cyes\u201d 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.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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:<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Gamblers Anonymous 855-222-5542<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Alcoholics Anonymous 561-994-5000<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Crossroads Club 561-278-8004<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Jewish Recovery Center 561-450-5503<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Gambling or Drinking A Problem? By Robert Goodman, MSW &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; There are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[43,75,96],"class_list":["post-595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mental-health-2","tag-abuse","tag-drinking","tag-gambling"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=595"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1934,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions\/1934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flnavigator.com\/healthfairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}