These Simple Ways Can Help You Become Kind To Your Mind

This manual will help you take care of your mental health, break the stigma and seek help if need be. 

The elderly population is rising across the globe and so is the prevalence of mental health issues among them. Marking World Mental Health Day on October 10, Silver Talkies Presented ‘BE KIND TO YOUR MIND’ where experts focused on the various aspects of psychological issues among Indian seniors. Keeping in mind the necessity to break the prevalent stigma related to mental health and the fact that mental well-being is as crucial as physical well-being during one’s silver years, here are some useful takeaways from the talk.

Identifying the mental issues among older adults and the various risk factors associated with these issues is essential for early detection and clinical help. Dr Santosh Bangar, Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist from Mumbai said: “Certain disorders like anxiety, depression, insomnia, dementia and substance abuse, over-the-counter sleeping tablets and alcohol use disorder are frequently found among the senior citizens. Delirium or acute confusional disorder is a very common yet under-recognized condition that is temporary in nature. Most of the physical illnesses also make them prone to mental health disorders.”

Major risk factors that one must be aware of are sensory deprivation (deafness, reduced eyesight), frailty, multiple physical illnesses, social isolation and interaction of prescribed medications. Loss of a spouse, worries about health, financial constraints make senior citizens more susceptible to anxiety or depression. Lack of physical and mental activities, ageing processes and physical illnesses put them at high risk of dementia. The delay in seeking professional help due to stigma could worsen the underlying mental health issues.

Dr Naganath Narasimhan Prem, Chief Consultant Geriatric Medicine, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai said: “Living arrangements and social engagement play vital role in keeping up one’s mental health during the silver years. Having meaningful friendships and a strong support system is vital not only to emotional health but also to brain health. Having groups with similar passions such as volunteering, crafts, and singing help in enhancing one’s mental health. Not just physical activities, adequate brain exercise is essential for having a healthy mind.”

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Tips to keep your mind fit and happy

Dr Bangar and Dr Prem shared some handy tips. Here are some of them.

Have a positive attitude or mindset. Ignore the negative thought process or share them with family/friends.

Keep physically fit by taking regular exercise. Indulge in mental health exercises like crosswords, reading or solving sudoku.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Take 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep.
• Quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
• Keep yourself socially engaged. Join a club or support group.
• Learn technology to stay in touch with near and dear ones who are far away.
• Take prescribed medication on time and take control of your health.
• Relax in the form of yoga, meditation, listening to music.
• Learn a new activity or skill. Developing a new hobby can be mentally stimulating.
• Be spiritual if that gives you peace of mind and makes you stress-free.
• Develop a sense of contentment and gratitude to remain happy
• Be kind to others and give back. It helps you get immense joy and positivity towards life.
• Get a pet as it can be a great stress buster.
• Always think of the controllable and what is in your hand. Do not get anxious and negative over things that you cannot control
• Never shy away from seeking help. Break the stigma and open up. Get in touch with psychiatrists and psychologists or ask for help from support groups.