We all feel a little anxious from time to time. It’s almost expected to be anxious in new environments or meeting new people, but if anxiety negatively affects your daily life, then you may have an anxiety disorder. May 7th is National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day, a day to raise awareness of anxiety disorders and promote mental health screenings. Today on the blog we’re going to look at anxiety, how it affects older adults, and where you can go for a screening.
How Common are Anxiety Disorders?
It’s estimated that anxiety affects 10-20% of older adults in the United States, but anxiety tends to be underreported and undiagnosed in older adults. The most common types of anxiety disorders affecting older adults are Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Barriers to Reporting Symptoms
- The older adult has experienced anxiety all their life, so they believe these feelings are normal.
- The older adult may not recognize that they’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
- Denial/not wanting to admit that they’re suffering with anxiety.
- Older adults may be hesitant to discuss their symptoms with their doctor.
- Doctors may not ask about anxiety or may attribute symptoms to another cause.
- Stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
- Older adults may minimize symptoms or think what they’re experiencing is a normal part of aging.
- Current questionnaires don’t touch on issues related to older adults (e.g., fear of falling).
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
- Excessive worry or fear.
- Lapse in routine or hyperfocus on routine.
- Avoiding social situations.
- Poor sleep.
- Racing heart or heart palpitations.
- Chest pain.
- Trembling or excessive sweating.
- Muscle tension and feeling weak and/or shaky.
- Hoarding.
- Self-medication with alcohol or other substances.
- Feeling irritable or restless.
Risk Factors
- Stressful life events or trauma (e.g., death of a loved one)
- Chronic health conditions.
- Side effects of medications.
- Misuse or abuse of alcohol and other substances.
- Family history of anxiety disorders.
Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- Talk with your doctor
- Therapy/counseling
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Find ways to manage stress/anxiety (e.g., mindfulness, breathing exercises, etc.)
- Getting quality sleep- sleeplessness can increase anxiety by up to 30% the next day!
- Limit use of alcohol and illicit drugs
- Limit use of over-the counter cold medications
- Limit caffeine and nicotine
Community Resources
- What is Anxiety? Via Eisenberg Family Depression Center (Michigan Medicine)
- Mental Health Support Group (Virtual. 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pm) via NAMI Washtenaw County
- Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (can do screenings and assessments) (734) 544-3050
Visit the Online Senior Resource Directory to find mental health resources in your community.
