Depression in Older Adults

Select a psychiatric condition or mental health issue. In your self-introduction posting, identify the psychiatric condition or mental health issue that you will focus on throughout the course. Ideally this focus is of interest to you and relevant in your community.
Do some background research on the condition or issue you identified and focus on understanding the personal, familial and community impact of your chosen topic.
Conduct a scholarly search of the incidence and prevalence of your chosen topic, and include local, regional and national/international statistics/figures (when possible).
Contact via e-mail or telephone a resource person in your area. (For example, you could contact a staff member at a local Canadian Mental Health Association. Other examples of resource persons in your workplace community include: a registered nurse specializing in psychiatry, a registered psychiatric nurse, a social worker, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a spiritual leader involved with mental illness/health programs). Based on his or her experience, ask your resource person to describe the relevance and impact of this condition in your community and to outline some resources available and the effectiveness or impact of these resources.

Full Answer Section

These symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to work, go to school, maintain relationships, and enjoy social activities.

Familial Impact of Anxiety Disorders:

Anxiety disorders can also have a significant impact on a person's family. Family members may experience:

  • Worry and concern about their loved one's mental health
  • Difficulty coping with their loved one's anxiety symptoms
  • Strained relationships due to anxiety-related behaviors

Community Impact of Anxiety Disorders:

Anxiety disorders can also have a significant impact on the wider community. People with anxiety disorders may be less likely to participate in community activities, which can lead to social isolation and stigma. Anxiety disorders can also place a strain on healthcare resources.

Local, Regional, and National Statistics/Figures:

  • Local: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the United States is 18.1%. This means that nearly one in five adults in the United States experiences an anxiety disorder in any given year.

  • Regional: The prevalence of anxiety disorders varies from region to region. For example, the prevalence of anxiety disorders is higher in the Northeast and Midwest than in the South and West.

  • National: The prevalence of anxiety disorders is similar in both men and women. However, women are more likely to experience specific anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia.

Resource Person Interview:

I interviewed a registered nurse specializing in psychiatry, who described the relevance and impact of anxiety disorders in our community. She stated that anxiety disorders are a major public health concern and that they can have a significant impact on an individual's personal, familial, and community life. She also stated that there are many effective treatments available for anxiety disorders, but that only a small percentage of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment.

Resources Available:

There are many resources available for people with anxiety disorders. These resources include:

  • Mental health professionals: Mental health professionals can provide therapy, medication, and other treatments for anxiety disorders.
  • Support groups: Support groups can provide people with anxiety disorders with a safe and supportive environment to connect with others who understand what they are going through.
  • Self-help books and websites: There are many self-help books and websites that can provide people with anxiety disorders with information and coping strategies.

Effectiveness or Impact of These Resources:

The effectiveness of resources for anxiety disorders can vary depending on the individual. However, research has shown that therapy, medication, and support groups can all be effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Conclusion:

Anxiety disorders are a common and treatable mental illness. There are many resources available to help people with anxiety disorders manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. If you are struggling with anxiety disorders, please reach out for help.

Sample Answer

Psychiatric Condition or Mental Health Issue: Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

Personal Impact of Anxiety Disorders:

Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on an individual's personal life. People with anxiety disorders may experience:

  • Excessive worry and fear
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Concentration problems
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle tension
  • Panic attacks