Senior Behavioral Medicine Care Unit

We all look forward to enjoying the "golden years" as we get older. However, as individuals age they experience many different changes in their life. From the grieving of loved ones to the loss of physical and mental abilities - a changing lifestyle and increased physical challenges can lead to sadness and withdrawal.
Minor symptoms are normal in the aging process, but persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate your loved one is suffering from an emotional illness.
Signs and symptoms of an emotional illness may include:

• Insomnia or too much sleep
• Crying spells
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Disregard for personal appearance
• Sad or blank look on the face
• Thoughts of suicide
• Forgetfulness or confusion
• Social isolation
  

Most emotional illnesses in the older population are treatable, especially if treatment is sought early. Therapy can improve a senior's outlook on life, which in return helps them take better care of themselves and follow their primary care physician's directions.