Mental Health First Aid for Seniors

Transcription

1 Mental Health First Aid for Seniors

2 Mental Health First Aid The initial help provided to a person who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

3 John is 30 years old. He has been feeling unusually sad and miserable for the last few weeks. Even though he is tired all the time, he has trouble sleeping nearly every night. John doesn t feel like eating and has lost weight. He can t keep his mind on his work and puts off making decisions. Even day-to-day tasks seem too much for him. This has come to the attention of his boss, who is concerned about John s lowered productivity. Jorm, A.F., Korten, A.E., Jacomb, P.A., et all (1997). Mental Health literacy : a survey of the public s ability to recognize mental disorders and their beliefs about the effectiveness of treatment. Medical Journal of Australia,166, / 3

4 What would you say, if anything, was wrong with John? How do you think John could best be helped? / 4

5 Over a quarter of participants (28%) did not associate John s symptoms with a mental health disorder. The most common recommendation for help in the event of a mental health disorder was through the help of a confidant, not a mental health professional or a primary care physician / 5

6 Stigma the situation of the individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance.

7 Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

8 MHFA Worldwide 23 countries and counting

9 Mental Health First Aid for Seniors

10 The Mental Health Strategy for Seniors Counter the impact of age discrimination on mental health. Help older adults to participate in meaningful activities, sustain relationships and maintain good physical health. Increase the capacity of older adults, their families, and those who work with them to identify mental illnesses, and intervene early when problems first emerge.

11 Program Goals To enable a participant to. recognize the signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health problem in a senior provide the initial help guide a senior towards appropriate professional help

12 MHFA-Seniors Course Content Day One: 1. Introduction to Seniors 2. Substance Related Disorders 3. Mood Related Disorders 4. Anxiety Related Disorders Day Two: 1. Introduction to Caregivers 1. Dementia 2. Delirium 3. Psychosis

13 Each segment includes: Overview of the disorder and its variations Signs and symptoms to be aware of Impact on person s life Risk factors Relevant concurrent Issues Case vignette / 13

14 A.L.I.F.E. Assess Listen Inform Facilitate Encourage risk of suicide, serious physical deterioration, and/or harm to others non-judgmentally reassure & distract getting appropriate professional help social supports for the senior & caregiver

15 Case Vignette John is a 76 year old widower, living alone in his condominium, and has been feeling unwell for the last 2 weeks. He declined your invitation to go the annual winter fair, an activity he has enjoyed most years, claiming he is not interested this year, and no longer feels confident driving. He claims he feels tired but can t seem to get a restful sleep. He dislikes cooking for himself and thinks he has lost weight. He complains of constipation and stomach pains. He stopped playing bridge at the seniors community centre, and declined a trip to visit his daughter on the west coast next month. He cancelled his newspaper subscription as he complains he can t remember the details in the stories anymore. What (if anything) may be wrong with John?

16 Case Vignette John is a 76 year old widower, living alone in his condominium, and has been feeling unwell for the last 2 weeks. He declined your invitation to go the annual winter fair, an activity he has enjoyed most years, claiming he is not interested this year, and no longer feels confident driving. He claims he feels tired but can t seem to get a restful sleep. He dislikes cooking for himself and thinks he has lost weight. He complains of constipation and stomach pains. He stopped playing bridge at the seniors community centre, and declined a trip to visit his daughter on the west coast next month. He cancelled his newspaper subscription as he complains he can t remember the details in the stories anymore.

17 Rising Seniors Population

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