Mental health and older adults

May is National Mental Health Month. During the pandemic many individuals, including older adults, have struggled with their mental health. One in five adults in America experiences a mental illness. More attention is being given to the severity of this issue and the potential impact it will have on communities as people get back to their routines.

We often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. It involves our social, emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health conditions impact an individual’s thinking, feeling or mood and may affect one’s ability to function on a daily basis. 

Mental health conditions are due to multiple causes, such as genetics, family history, the environment and an individual’s lifestyle choices. Prolonged stress from one’s job, poor nutrition, home life or caretaking role may also play a role. Therefore, it is important to take care of both our physical and emotional well-being. The more positive we feel about life, the better. 

Diagnosis and treatment of a mental disorder is more complicated for older adults. Symptoms of mental health issues like depression or lapses in memory are often dismissed as part of aging. The most common mental health issues NewBridge has recently observed in older adults are struggles with personality disorders, mood disorders, dementia and substance abuse. If someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please encourage them to seek help.

This year NewBridge will begin a Mental Health Resource Program for older adults age 60 and above who are  currently receiving case management services for any of the Dane County Senior Focal Points. This program is intended to help older adults with chronic or severe mental health concerns who are not currently receiving mental health treatment services. For more information, please contact the mental health program staff at NewBridge 608-512-0000.