May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Experts say individuals over 65 can experience depression or anxiety, and it's often related to lifestyle changes that come with aging.
Megan Wilsey, program director of Kearney County Health Services' Senior Life Solutions, has more on the challenges older adults face as they age that may impact their mental health.
Senior Life Solutions is a program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing these types of changes.
Therapy for patients through group, individual, and family sessions, and program and patient support are offered.
According to the CDC, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
According to Mental Health America (MHA), in 1949, they introduced Mental Health Week, which eventually became Mental Health Month, to help 'educate Americans about mental illness and mental health.'
Each year, organizations and programs come together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, help improve access to care, educate communities on signs and symptoms, and highlight mental health progress globally.
More about the program:
A clinician from the program can provide a confidential assessment to determine if you or a loved one are eligible for the program. Services offered by Kearney County Health Services’ Senior Life Solutions include a confidential, comprehensive assessment, group, and individual therapy, family therapy, medication education and management, and after-care planning, where we continue to engage and support our participants. Even though this is a group setting, we address each person individually based on their unique needs.
What is Group Therapy?
At Senior Life Solutions, our group members, typically 7-10 people, receive group therapy to help work towards a better quality of life, mental health, and well-being. Group members help each other by sharing personal experiences and strengths, boosting self-esteem and confidence. By interacting with other members and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, each group member gains a greater understanding of themselves and has the opportunity to create relationships with other people who may be facing similar challenges. During group therapy, the group may engage in open conversation guided by the therapist, which allows the group to support each other and share experiences. Often in group therapy, participants learn new skills that help their mental health wellness for the remainder of their lives.
How do referrals work?
Anyone can make a referral to our program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, and nursing or residential facilities.
Help spread the word through awareness, support, and advocacy activities:
- Get involved socially with local support groups.
- Do regular check-ins with family and friends to see how they are doing.
- Learn the signs and symptoms to watch for if a friend or family member is in crisis.
What are some of the signs or symptoms that indicate someone we know is struggling with their mental health?
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns increase or decrease.
- Expressed feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, or wanting to "just give up."
- Frequent trips to the doctor or Emergency Department for unexplained illness.
- Frequent yelling and fighting with family or friends.
- Little to no energy.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Mood swings.
- Inability to perform daily tasks, such as basic hygiene, missing appointments, or not cleaning up after themselves.
- Unexplained aches and pains.
What should one do if someone they care about is struggling with their mental health?
- Express your concern and willingness to listen, reassure them that you care about them.
- Use "I" statements. For example, use "I am worried about you," "I would like you to consider talking with a counselor." rather than "You are." or "You should."
- Try to show patience and caring and not be judgmental of their thoughts and actions. Listen; don't disregard or challenge the person's feelings.
- Encourage them to talk to a mental health professional or their primary care provider.
- For some people, it may be helpful to compare the situation to a physical health concern and how they would respond. For example, if there was a concern about diabetes or high blood pressure, would they be likely to seek medical care?
- Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength.