Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Older Adults...Before you say, "I'm fine"...

Ask yourself if you feel:

• nervous or "empty"
• guilty or worthless
• very tired and slowed down
• you don't enjoy things the way you used to
• restless and irritable
• like no one loves you
• like life is not worth living

Or if you are:

• sleeping more or less than usual
• eating more or less than usual
• having persistent headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain

These may be symptoms of Depression, a treatable medical illness.

But your doctor can only treat you if you say how you are really feeling.

Depression is not a normal part of aging.

Talk to your doctor.

Source: National Institue of Mental Health. (2004, January 1). [Fact sheet]. Retrieved July 7, 2004, from http://www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/print.php?artID=217