Our Services and Programs

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Mental illness affects individuals throughout their lives but there are various factors impacting mental and behavioral health in the senior population. Such factors include an increased risk of isolation, feelings of one not belonging, chronic medical conditions, pain, and loss of being not self-sufficient, feeling like a burden to others, grief over a lost spouse, severe cognitive impairment, and daily financial troubles. The most common mental illness seen with the elderly population is depression.

Providing support and linkage to community resources are key ways to help older adults. Support and advocacy is also needed to ensure older adults have access to community services. 

Substance use disorders impact nearly 1 million adults age 65 and over as reported in 2018 data from SAMSHA. The number of older adults admitted to Substance Use Disorder treatment facilities between 2000 and 2012 increased to 7% during this time, (per the National Institute on Drug Abuse). Due to increase of chronic health conditions with aging, older adults are more likely to be prescribed potentially addictive medications. Older adults may also react to medications differently. With behavioral therapies and medications, such treatments have dramatically improved the lives of older adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines mental health as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and function daily. It also contributes to how we handle stress, and perceive life situations. Proper mental and behavioral support greatly contributes to healthy choices. Mental health is extremely important at every stage of life, from childhood to retirement age.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has found that mental health issues can be caused by a variety of daily factors:

• Family history of mental illnesses
• Traumatic life experiences
• Chemical factors in the brain
• Genetic factors
• Social factors 
• Economic issues and depression 

Nearly 21% of U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year. Unfortunately, less than half of those actually get treatment (NAMI, 2023).  Even more so, the average time delay between onset of symptoms and treatment is 11 years.  The most common mental illnesses are as follows:

• 19% Anxiety Disorders
• 8% Depression
• 8% Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness
• 4% Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• 3% Bipolar Disorder
• 1% Borderline Personality Disorder
• 1% Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• 1% Schizophrenia

Unfortunately, despite major advances in mental health care, mental health disorders remain largely unattended. Studies by NAMI found that only 47% of adults seek care each year for their mental health conditions, despite so many great treatment options being available. Increased mental health awareness is crucial to people’s health.  

As clinicians, we try to improve mental health awareness and some of those warning signs may include:

• Unexplained mood swings
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Inexplicable feelings of sadness

To learn more about mental health and awareness please contact us.