Have you been thinking about talking to someone? Have the same problems been nagging at you for several months or years? Are you tired of feeling like you don’t know how to move forward in your life?
There’s no doubt that therapy can offer profound support and healing for people of all ages and demographics. That said, as we grow older, we tend to face unique challenges that don’t necessarily have clear-cut solutions.
Therapy for older adults provides a warm and nonjudgmental space to work through some of the common issues associated with aging. It’s a viable resource for helping you harness a happier and healthier version of yourself. Let’s explore the top benefits.
Support For Grief and Loss
As we age, we naturally experience more losses. Maybe you have been grieving a significant death. Maybe, due to a medical condition, you are mourning a recent loss of physical or mental stamina. Perhaps you are struggling with a series of different losses, and you’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.
Regardless of the context, all grief and loss can be painful and lonely. Of course, it is helpful to have supportive friends and family, but you may also need professional guidance during this trying time.
Grief triggers numerous emotions. When we experience loss, it’s normal to oscillate between feelings of sadness, guilt, fear, and uncertainty. These are natural feelings, and it’s essential to honor them as part of your healing process. Therapy can support you in unpacking some of the difficult reactions associated with your loss. It can also help you find new ways of coping and creating meaning.
Support For End-Of-Life Issues
It’s common to worry about the future, to fret about death and all the unknown perils associated with growing older. These anxieties are part of the human experience, but if it’s impacting your quality of life, you may benefit from seeking therapy.
These issues can be undoubtedly sensitive to talk about with loved ones. They may even be difficult to untangle on your own. Therapy offers a warm space for you to process your thoughts and feelings. You can express what’s on your mind without having a filter or worrying about hurting someone else. Likewise, you don’t need to fear being criticized or shamed for your reactions.
End-of-life issues are complex without one-size-fits-all solutions. Therapy can help increase your clarity. It can also help you find a greater sense of peace for your decision-making process. After all, no matter your age, there is always room for developing a more vibrant sense of meaning.
Treatment For Mental Health Conditions
According to the World Health Organization, 15% of adults over 60 have a mental disorder including depression, dementia, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, many people overlook or downplay these conditions. Even doctors don’t always provide adequate screening to determine one’s mental health status.
While mental illness can impact people at any age, older adults may be more susceptible to how the symptoms affect their well-being. For instance, financial problems, health issues, and cognitive declines may make it challenging to seek and receive appropriate treatment.
When left untreated, mental illness can become progressively worse. Suicide remains a concerning epidemic, with research showing that suicide rates are particularly concerning in older adults. In fact, men aged 85 and older have the highest rate of suicides in the country.
You don’t have to struggle with your condition in silence. Therapy can help you provide you with practical solutions that will give you the relief you deserve.
Relationship Struggles
Are you and your spouse struggling in your marriage? Are you facing interpersonal difficulties with your children or other loved ones? While our friends and our family often bring us joy and connection, they can also be tremendous sources of pain and anguish.
Therapy helps individuals struggling with:
- Emotional and physical intimacy
- Identifying, setting, and implementing healthy boundaries
- Infidelity and trust issues
- Caregiver support
- Healthy, effective communication
- Building positive support systems
If your relationships feel stale or stagnant, therapy offers a space for you to explore these obstacles. You may benefit from either individual, family, or couples therapy- or a combination of these approaches.
Final Thoughts On The Benefits of Therapy For Older Adults
No matter your age or current concern, the decision to enter therapy can be challenging. However, therapy for older adults allows you to work through some of the significant issues you face on a daily basis.
You don’t have to struggle alone. I value finding connection, meaning, and integrity in our work. Together, we will collaborate to create realistic goals that help you achieve more happiness and clarity in your life. Contact me today to learn more.