Aging Gracefully and Mentally

   By M. Michelle Banks

Life gets better with age. We’ve all heard the saying, things will get better with time. That’s not always the case for some.  Time does change things, how we think, how we act, what we believe, what we hope for, the way we see things, how we look, how we respond to successes and failures, challenges and loss, even how we feel about ourselves and life.  Aging gracefully, mentally, can be challenging. 

      At some point we began to notice the physical and mental changes in our bodies; weight gain, weight loss, gray hair, dry hair, dry skin, brittle nails,blurred vision, menopause, andropause, etc. Maybe we don’t move as swiftly as we used to, we notice new aches and pains that come and go more often, our energy levels may have changed drastically or maybe not.  Whether male or female we feel and see the changes  in our bodies as we age.  Memory lapses, blood pressure, cholesterol, serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, cortisol, insulin and blood sugar levels all go up and down wreaking havoc on not just our bodies, but our minds.  In addition we experience empty nest syndrome, death of parents, relatives,  and loved ones. There are times we experience loneliness, sickness, breaks in finances, home life upsets, all sorts of ups and downs life brings our way as we grow older. 

     We don’t have to fall into oblivion, pulling the shades,recusing ourselves to becoming hermits, giving up on life, defying to live. It is possible to age gracefully, mentally.  The first step is to let go of the shame and guilt we place upon ourselves. No matter the age, creed or color there  is no shame in seeking mental help. It’s okay to be strong, but asking for help when you’re not so strong makes you stronger. The second step is acceptance.  Accept that aging, sickness, death, job loss, failure, disappointment, grievances, heartbreak and joy is a part of life. Accept yourself for yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. The third step is to seek help. Reach out, research, and resolve to help yourself.  We seek legal help and advice in life situations such as marriage, divorce, finances, housing, stocks, bankruptcy, taxes, you get the point. We should be just as concerned and vigilant about our mental health.  

     Seeking mental help is to give yourself the gift of life, it is the gift of self love. Seeking the necessary tools  to help you achieve better living is aging gracefully, no matter what age you are. A licensed  therapist can help you adapt to a new way of living, aging.  Remember, aging is a natural process. There is nothing unnatural about the challenges we face as we age physically and mentally.  Sure, we feel that they are because we’ve never experienced them. Once you get the help you need, you will soon come to realize that there is nothing that happens to anyone that is not uncommon to the human race. You are not alone. Aging gracefully is an option, old age is hit or miss, but should you dare to give aging your best, do so mentally, be fully aware of what’s available to help you live a gracefully fulfilling mental life.  Make the best of this life and face it gracefully, with mental courage. 

    Charlie Crafton, DNP, PMHNP, stated,  “As we age, we face many life challenges that impact our mental health. Increased worry, sadness, and changes in sleep patterns are easily identified as symptoms of mental illness. Irritability, ongoing headaches, and digestive issues are also major  symptoms of mental illness that can easily be overlooked.  Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life Recognizing these symptoms and seeing a mental health provider are first steps to getting treatment.” “Covington Place Therapy & Counseling, located in Collins, Mississippi, offers an integrated treatment program designed to address the challenges faced by people with mental health issues and/or substance use issues in order to help them live more fulfilling lives. “Covington Place Therapy & Counseling focuses on person-centered, evidence-based practices designed to help you thrive within your community.  Any one may refer a patient, including primary care physicians, emergency departments, and in patient facilities;  even the patient can refer themselves.  Adults, teens, preteens, and children ages six years and over are accepted.  Each referral is considered on a case by case basis.  Call 601-698-0263 to receive a free, confidential consultation.  A licensed mental health professional will learn about your needs and recommend a course of treatment.  Covington  Place accepts a variety of insurance plans.”