1. MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS As a professional caregiver, you may at times be asked to work with individuals who are dealing with mental health disorders.
2.
3. All of us experience anxiety from time to time. A person with an anxiety disorder will have such a high level of anxiety that coping with life’s challenges may be too difficult. Anxiety Disorders A person with an anxiety disorder may use a variety of coping mechanisms, some of which might be harmful to the person or to others.
5. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic and disabling mental health disorder. It typically begins in the late teens to the twenties or thirties. As they age, individuals with schizophrenia may look a lot like a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the same tools work with these individuals—distraction, humor, reassurance and not challenging their reality.
7. Mood Disorders Mood disorders typically include bi-polar disorder (what we used to call manic-depressive disorder) and serious depression. Serious depression occurs in many adults, including older adults. It can frequently be very successfully treated with medication.
“Welcome. While most caregivers will work with elderly or aging adults, some will work with other populations that also need assistance. You may work with people with mental health disorders.”
![There are three general categories of mental health problems that you may encounter as a care giving professional. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)