It’s not always easy to spot when something’s changed. Maybe your loved one has started turning down outings, seems quieter than usual, or mentions they’re not sleeping well. These small moments can sometimes point to something deeper.
Mental health awareness means paying attention to the little moments and how they may be affecting your loved one’s emotional and mental well-being.
In this article, we’ll discuss the real impact of mental health concerns, the signs you can look out for and how you may care for or find support for your loved one at home.
Do you or your loved one need extra support at home? Reach out to our myCare team today. We offer quality home care services across the local Tayside and Grampian area.
The Impact of Mental Health
Mental health concerns are a serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored or dismissed. Dealing with anxiety, depression, or other conditions alone may lead to fatigue, stress, and increased social isolation.
It’s also far more common than you may think. The Mental Health Foundation has found that 22% of men and 28% of women over 65 are affected by depression.
Likewise, it’s estimated that 85% of older people with depression do not receive support from the NHS. Many older people also struggle with stigma and shame when it comes to reaching out for support.
All of which may impact your loved one’s ability to engage with and enjoy everyday life.
Signs Your Loved One May Need Support
Sometimes it can be difficult to see when our loved one is struggling, especially when we aren’t around all the time or our schedules are busy. But that’s why it’s important to know what to look out for.
Here are some common signs that may indicate your loved one is struggling with their mental health:
- Increased worries and anxieties
- Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, headaches or trembling
- Struggling to sleep or rest
- Increased irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Regular emotional outbursts
If you’re loved one is experiencing these symptoms, consider sitting down with them to talk about your concerns. Give them the space to think about their response and how they want to address it, so that they feel supported and acknowledged.
How to Build Healthy Self-Care Habits
Self-care is a useful tool anyone can use to help improve their mood, manage anxiety and stress and engage with the world around them. Here are just a few useful tips that may help your loved one.
Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity isn’t just for the athletic. Gentle physical activity, like going for a walk or joining a yoga session, can help your loved one feel more independent and energised. Likewise, studies show it has been known to help manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
Starting a Hobby
Sometimes it can be difficult to set aside time for activities we enjoy. But engaging with what we love may help manage feelings of stress and anxiety.
Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or anything else you can think of, try to encourage your loved one to pick up a new or old hobby. Set aside time once or twice a week to have fun.
Taking Regular Trips
This doesn’t mean travelling across the countryside, though, of course, that may be fun and exciting too. If you’re loved one is self-isolating, they may struggle to leave the home, which could worsen their mental health.
Encourage them to go outside, even if it’s just to sit in the garden and breathe in the fresh air. Consider taking a trip to a quiet park and sit down to take in the surroundings. This may help alleviate tension and encourage them to step outside of their bubble.
Need Extra Support? Home Care Can Help
While self-care to brighten your loved one’s day can help, it may not be enough. Many older people may live alone or struggle to connect with others, making it harder for them to voice their concerns.
This is why compassionate and empathetic home care can make such a difference. At myCare, our care workers get to know your loved one. They understand the impact of mental health and offer personalised support, companionship and gentle encouragement.
With consistent, attentive care, your loved one may feel more secure and supported. This may help them speak out more about their experiences and feelings, which can help improve their care and their mental health.
Help Your Loved One Feel Supported With myCare
Have you noticed your loved one pulling away? Maybe they haven’t left the house in a while, or they’ve grown quieter. Mental health issues can affect anyone at any stage of their life, and it’s important to take these concerns seriously.
If you think your loved one needs extra support, reach out to our team at myCare today. We offer caring, personalised support in the place your loved one feels safest and most at home.
