By Shelby Leith

In recent years, taking good care of our mental health has gained significant importance. We now understand that for general health to be truly effective, a holistic approach must be used, taking into account every aspect of the body and mind.

Because of this shift away from focusing solely on the physical body and toward considering all of a person's dimensions, mental health is now frequently regarded as being as crucial to physical health in the pursuit of wellness.

We need to be aware of the potential mental health problems that could affect us at every age and stage of life. As we get older, the challenges and issues we face will adjust, but it's always necessary to be aware of what we can encounter.

Adults over fifty are susceptible to mental health issues, just like people of all ages. They are the age group that self-reports having less-than-ideal mental health the third most frequently.

In the United States you are legally a senior citizen when you’re 65 and over. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t elements of older adulthood that are experienced at a younger age. Those in their early 50s may start to experience ageism which may harm their mental and emotional well-being.

Ageism after fifty

Ageism is when someone or a group of people is subjected to stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination because of their age. While ageism can affect anyone, it is most frequently experienced by older persons since they are more likely to experience it personally and structurally.

According to a recent study, people over 50 rarely leave their occupations on their own freewill, and the likelihood of finding employment with a comparable salary is basically impossible.

The negative effects of ageism are shocking on a worldwide scale. One study examined over 14,000 research studies and articles and discovered that in 95.5% of the cases, ageism resulted in considerably worse outcomes for mental health.

Although you might argue that you're still young in your 50s, a different study indicated that the younger you are, the more likely ageism will have a negative effect on you. They found that adults who experienced ageism had significantly worse mental health across all four mental health variables—depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, general stress, and positive mental health or thriving.

It's critical to get counseling right away if you've encountered ageism and believe it may be having an adverse effect on your mental health. It's important to be knowledgeable about the mental health conditions that mostly afflict persons in their 50s as you reach this decade.

You should always be aware of your mental health. And while we can take all the necessary precautions to maintain our mental health, it's also critical to be aware of the warning signs of mental health issues so that we can act—and receive help—as soon as possible.

The following are some warning signs of mental health problems you should watch out for:

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Headaches

• Unusual or out-of-character behavior

• Memory loss

• Withdrawal from routine

• Increased reliance on drugs or alcohol

• Sudden weight gain or loss

These are all signs that something is wrong.

If you have concerns about your mental well-being—or the mental well-being of someone you love—contact a primary care physician and ask for an evaluation.

Of course, ageism exists in the medical profession as well, so if you're an older adult who feels your primary care physician isn't listening to your concerns, find a geriatrician. Your medical issues can be sorted out by them, and they can determine whether there are any additional issues that need to be treated from a medical standpoint and aren't merely related to aging.

Shelby is a Registered Pharmacy Technician for over 18 years living in Whitby, Canada. She is a published writer who specializes in the field of medicine, health, nutrition and fitness. She enjoys expressing herself through words and often writes short, descriptive pieces, poetry or songs in her spare time.