In older adults, anxiety and depression often occur together. It’s essential for older adults to get help if experiencing symptoms of either.  Symptoms of depression include:  disturbed sleep (sleeping excessively or insufficiently, changes in appetite (weight loss or gain), physical aches and pains, lack of energy or motivation, irritability and intolerance, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulties with concentration or decision-making, noticeable restlessness or slow movement, and recurring thoughts of death.    Supportive therapy, life review, CBT, acceptance and helping those problem-solve daily challenges can be helpful to those experiencing depression and anxiety.

Many older adults find themselves as the primary caretaker for other family members. Caregivers may experience high stress due to the perception that their role is their sole responsibility, even if it exceeds their capacity. Others, potentially within your or the person in your care’s family, may inadvertently place additional, unwanted stress on you as a caregiver. Being a caregiver can be overwhelming and lead to a persistent state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Although this is not a clinical diagnosis, this is commonly referred to as caregiver syndrome. Many caregivers tend to neglect their own needs, which can lead to a more challenging situation for both the caregiver and the person they are caring for, as their own health is compromised in all aspects. 

As we get older, the amount of illness, loss and death that we experience may inevitably become greater. Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and it can impair our daily living and is a process.  Every individual experiences bereavement in their own way and some may need extra support to help them navigate the “new world” they live in after loss.   Whether your grief is related to living grief - the grief that comes with chronic illness or watching someone you love deteriorate,  grief regarding loss of a loved one, or grief related to significant life change loss, all grief can make it challenging to manage emotions.  Grief has many emotional and behavioral manifestations.  People can experience intense frustration, anxiety, anger, sadness, or emotional shutdown. Therapy can help individuals develop tools to adapt to loss, regulate their emotions, respond to triggers in a healthier way, cultivate emotional resilience and find ways to continue living even while experiencing grief.

As one ages, their roles and responsibilities they have in their daily lives can alter dramatically.   Familial, work and social relationships change, which may lead to a confusion in identity and sense of who one is, the roles they play and the value they contribute to the world around them. During this life evaluation and review, some older adults may struggle with self-worth and sense of identity.  They can also feel they are losing some of the independence they had; relying on others more.  It can lead to persistent feelings of shame, self-doubt, regret, insecurity, and fears that one has “not been enough” in their lifetime. Therapy helps individuals rebuild confidence, develop self-compassion, and redefine their sense of self in this late stage of life.

Factors that contribute to caregiver burnout include role confusion, unrealistic expectations and frustration. Caregivers may impose unfair demands on themselves due to facilitating their family member’s well-being.  Symptoms of caregiver burnout include depression and anxiety leading to social withdrawal, loss of interest in previous activities, and feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. Caregiver stress can also manifest as uncharacteristic irritability and anger.  Therapy can help caregivers manage stress by utilizing CBT, coping skills, improving self-compassion skills, advocacy, psychoeducation and learning creative techniques in approaching and caring for your loved one.