Seeking Help For Mental Health Issues Losing Stigma Among Elderly In Chandigarh

Mental health issues are not unusual, but accepting and seeking help is. However, the Department of Psychiatry in PGI Chandigarh shows that more senior citizens are now seeking help. The department received 1,192 new outpatient department (OPD) cases in 2019. Now, the number of new cases has risen to 2,300. Elderly patients are not hesitating anymore to seek help for their mental health issues. The geriatric clinic, which is operational once a week, witnessed a rise in new patients by around 12 to 13 per cent, according to a report by the Indian Express.

As the elderly population is rising in India, their issues cannot be neglected. However, at the same time, the elderly also need to become vocal about their needs. “We are moving towards an ageing population, and the rise is multifactorial, with increased awareness about mental health issues post-Covid, and the elderly better informed, and able to identify symptoms like depression, anxiety, sadness, stress, memory loss”, the report says citing Dr Aseem Mehta, additional professor, psychiatry in PGI Chandigarh.

Mental health issues could develop or become severe in old age due to several factors, including weakening physical strength, age-related ailments, loneliness, social isolation, and lack of self-worth after retirement.

While not many realise it, mental health and physical health are connected significantly. Physical ailments can take a toll on one’s mental health, and similarly, mental health issues like loneliness, lack of social interaction, and lack of emotional venting can result in physical health problems such as heart diseases and chronic diseases, among others.

The psychiatric department studies indicate a higher participation of senior citizens, especially men. More men than women are coming to seek help for their mental health issues.

Doctors suggest that awareness has increased after the pandemic due to the life-changing experiences people had during the virus's spread. People lost their loved ones, jobs, and much more. Thus, in the wake of the pandemic, they feel isolated. The elderly remain more vulnerable because of age and changing family structure.

While help has been available and doctors and hospitals were there, patients used to be missing. However, patients’ attitudes are changing slowly. Reportedly, mental health experts in the department counsel the patients; treat them with therapies and medicines, and prescribe exercises and nutritious food intake.

According to them, at times such patients are referred from the other departments (medical branches) where the reason for physical issues like skin rashes, itching, acid reflux, and gastro issues are due to emotional issues or stress.

The treatment also includes analysing cognitive health, advising medicines and brain-stimulating games and activities to keep the brain active.

The department is conducting a state-wide mental health survey of people, including senior citizens and children.