Mental Health Awareness In Sumter County, SC

Did you know that 4% of adults over the age of 70 have depression?

How Is Age Related to Mental Illness?

Getting older can make you more vulnerable to mental illnesses. Depression is more common for those with certain medical conditions, sleep problems, and limited ability to perform activities of daily living. On top of this, as people age, they may experience a decline in health, the loss of loved ones, or social isolation. These factors can cause mental illness and contribute to symptoms. Watch out for these symptoms of depression in older adults:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Guilt
• Lack of interest in hobbies and activities
• Sleep troubles
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Suicidal thoughts

How Is Mental Illness Treated?

Not only can aging factors cause mental illness, but they can also make it harder to find treatment. Some older adults think it’s normal to experience conditions like depression – it’s not, and it’s important to seek treatment and support when you need it. There are many options for treating depression:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT combines cognitive strategies of combating negative thinking patterns with therapy designed to change negative patterns of behavior. By assessing behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and patterns, and how the four are connected, CBT can improve your ability to function. Cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy are also available individually.
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT addresses relationships and circumstances related to a current depressive episode. It aims to teach strategies that can help people communicate about their emotions and needs and solve problems in relationships.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy can identify patterns that impact relationships with others as well as with yourself. By focusing on early experiences, it can help you build your tolerance to uncomfortable feelings and be more reliable to yourself.
• Medications: Second-generation antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs) like Zoloft and Lexapro help regulate mood and behavioral functions in the brain.

For older adults, the American Psychological Association (APA) recommends additional types of therapy, like Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Group-CBT) and Group Life-Review/Reminiscence Therapy.

Where Can I Find Mental Health Resources?

In addition to therapy and medication, there are hotlines, educational programs, and support groups that also support mental health. Here are a few places you can find resources in South Carolina:

• SC 211 is an information and referral service that can help you access community resources like mental health and crisis services. It’s free to use and available by phone (dial 2-1-1), text (211-211), or online at any time.
• Mental Health America (MHA) South Carolina is an MHA affiliate offering educational programs and a directory of resources. They created Turnkey Housing Corp., a non-profit that sponsors and develops housing for those with mental illnesses. You can explore educational programs and resources on their website.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) South Carolina has chapters in Sumter and Kershaw! NAMI Sumter serves Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon counties. NAMI Kershaw serves Kershaw County. NAMI supports communities through education, support, and advocacy around mental health and wellness. They have a helpline you can call Monday-Friday, and a confidential text line for those experiencing a crisis.

In-Home Care In Sumter County

At Griswold Home Care for Sumter & Kershaw, we provide in-home care services like personal care, companionship, and homemaking. We offer other services like respite care, 24-hour home care, and dementia care support, too. Give us a call to learn more! We’re here to support you and your loved ones in living where you love to be.