Hillary Gwen Miller, MD, Family Medicine physician at ARC Far West, shared tips on combatting loneliness as a guest panelist for the "She Thrives: The Art of Aging" Summit in November. The event, hosted by AGE of Central Texas, was designed for family caregivers of aging adults.
Dr. Miller was part of a panel discussion on "Taking Control: Ways to Combat Loneliness and Preserve Mental Health," and talked about when to speak to your doctor or pursue medical help.
"Loneliness by itself might not be a reason to speak to your doctor," she said, "but dissatisfaction with your life can be a manifestation of depression, which should and can be addressed by your doctor."
Watch for signs and symptoms of depression
Dr. Miller went on to explain the signs and symptoms of depression, which include:
- Not getting enjoyment out of life
- Crying too much or irritability,
- Problems with motivation or concentration
- Sleeping too much or being tired all the time
- Problems with appetite, such as not being hungry or overeating
- Suicidal thoughts
"These problems become an issue if they affect one of the three areas of your life, such as your job, your relationship with your family, or your health," she said.
When to seek help
When talking about mental health care, Dr. Miller said most people are not going to seek mental health care before they have an issue. But she recommends that if there is a particular issue someone is dealing with – for example, caretaking, dementia, or Parkinson's in a family member – a support group of those with the same issue is invaluable.
Stay involved and connected
Dr. Miller also offered advice about how to avoid becoming lonely, such as joining a gym, going to an exercise class or senior activity center, joining a choir, volunteering, attending a faith-based service, and gathering friends for a potluck. Social connectedness, Dr. Miller says, is one of the strongest ways to combat loneliness.
She Thrives: The Art of Aging is an annual summit and dinner hosted by AGE of Central Texas that equips women of all ages and backgrounds with resources, information, and community to validate and support them as they navigate their life's journey through aging and caregiving.