Caring for Your Mental Health After 50: Know Your Resources
Last year, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide. CDC data shows the highest suicide rates are with individuals over 50, particularly with men. As mental health awareness and solutions continue to take root with our youth, many older adults are not connected to resources that can help curb these rates and contribute positively to overall mental health and wellbeing.
Data reveals a gap in awareness in older adults of free mental health hotlines and other services designed to help them navigate life struggles and crises. For example, the nation-wide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been operational for four years and a recent University of Michigan poll showed that many middled-aged and older adults don’t know about it. In fact, the poll showed that 69 percent of those asked had never heard of it, and 31 percent didn’t know about any crisis lines. Study results prompted university physicians and professors to encourage awareness-raising efforts for those over 50 years, so they understand options and programs available to help them through depression, hopelessness and age-related stressors.
“We are consistently working to connect with community partners, attend community events and share educational materials in person and through email to help spread awareness of our programs and services,” said Tina Cook, R.N., M.A, program director for MyMichigan Health’s Senior Life Solutions. “Part of our education is sharing the 988 Lifeline. We are also more than willing and able to do presentations to groups for those interested in hearing more about our services.”
MyMichigan’s Senior Outpatient Therapy Program is a partnership with Senior Life Solutions in MyMichigan Medical Centers Gladwin and Standish. It is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults in rural communities who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders.
“Aging brings many joys, more time with family and freedom in retirement, but our older years can also bring difficult life transitions, including losing loved ones and stress from age-related health concerns,” Cook said. “Our program staff includes a board-cerfified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our communities. Patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting following an individual assessment.”
Cook shared symptoms that may signal the need for mental health services and/or participation in MyMichigan’s program:
- Recently experienced a traumatic event
- Loss a spouse or close family member
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
“It’s important to focus on our elderly populations’ mental health as keenly as our younger ones,” Cook said. “The data supports the need, and our goal is to do our part in raising awareness and meeting that need where we can.”
If you or your loved one is in a crisis, dial 988 or chat with Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Referrals to MyMichigan’s Senior Life Solutions can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, the patient themselves, or another health care professional. For more information in Gladwin, call (989) 246-6339 and in Standish, call (989) 846-3542.
Tina Cook, R.N., M.A., is the program director for Senior Life Solutions at MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin.
