Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • Hospital stays can affect your mind and your mood.
  • Feeling confused or very sad may be symptoms of other health issues.
  • Common problems seen in older people during a hospital stay include delirium, dementia and depression.
  • Feeling unwell, having an infection and being in pain can all affect your mood and your ability to think and concentrate (your mental state).
  • Sticking to your normal routine as much as possible and feeling comfortable in your surroundings can improve your mental state.
  • Tell hospital staff if you feel confused or ‘can’t think clearly’, or if you are feeling low or depressed.
  • As a carer or family member of someone in hospital, tell hospital staff if you notice a sudden change in the person’s mental state.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 01-03-2022