How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Aging Loved One

Mental health pertains to one’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It’s your thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns that influence your daily actions. Mental health is important throughout all stages of life, including older adulthood.

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness has been observed in the United States during the month of May. Amid the ongoing COVID pandemic, mental health has been a hot topic across all generations. Mental health experts have studied the effects of social distancing, face masks, and other precautions put into place by health officials to stop the spread of the virus. It’s not surprising to learn that the pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of millions of Americans, including older adults. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that one in four older adults felt anxious or depressed during the pandemic.

Many older adults are at risk for mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and isolation. If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s mental health, here are a few tips to start a conversation that can help.

Prepare an Opening Line

The most challenging part of starting a conversation is finding the right words to start. Rehearse a few opening lines so that you’re ready when the moment’s right. Keep your words brief and to the point. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” response. Here are a few ideas:

• “I’ve noticed that you seem down lately. What’s going on?”
• “We haven’t talked in a while. How are you?”
• “Are you feeling okay? You don’t seem like yourself, and I’m here to listen if you want to talk.”
• “This is awkward, but I’d like to know if you’re really all right.”
• “I’m concerned about you. Is there anything you want to talk about?”

Wait for a Response

Once you’ve worked up the courage to begin the conversation, give your loved one time and space to respond. Some older adults need a few seconds to process what you’ve said and formulate a response. They might also need time to accept your open invitation to a conversation about their mental health. Let them take the lead. If they seem to brush you off, move on to another topic and try again another time.

Select the Right Moment to Talk

Choose the right moment to talk about mental health with your aging loved one. There’s no need to dive right into the conversation, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve talked with your loved one. Warm them up to the idea by sharing your own struggles with mental health. If your loved one isn’t one for intense heart-to-hearts, try discussing their mental health while engaging in a hobby or out for a drive.

Include the Doctor

If your aging loved one seems to be in a funk, they might need more help than they’re willing to admit. Keep a record of how long they’ve seemed depressed or anxious. Take note of other signs of poor mental health, such as self-isolation, inactivity, or patterns of negative self-talk. Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician to discuss their mental health. Respectively share your observations to give their doctor a fuller picture. Your loved one may need more help than you can provide, such as professional counseling or prescription medications.

Keep the Conversation Going

Mental health is a topic that needs to be discussed regularly. It’s not a one-and-done type of conversation, especially if your loved one is struggling. Keep the conversation going by regularly checking in with them. Ask follow-up questions to the conversation you initially started. Check to see if they are making strides to improve their mental health. Ensure they are following their doctor’s recommendations, including taking medications as prescribed. The more you discuss mental health, the more natural of a topic it becomes for everyone involved.

If you are concerned about your aging loved one who is struggling with feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression amid the COVID pandemic, know that Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help. We provide a comprehensive approach to senior home care that includes addressing mental health. Our compassionate caregivers are available not only to assist with physical care needs but also with mental health challenges. Our caregivers foster genuine companionship with each of their clients, providing them opportunities to express their feelings. Let us help you start a conversation with your aging loved one about their mental health. Please contact us today by calling (804) 353-0000.