Health Highlights | Older adults and mental health
Key takeaways:
- Some older adults have misconceptions about getting mental health care.
- Misconceptions include being a burden on family and pills being bad for you.
- Mental health experts remind you that they are qualified, have your best interest in mind. They says addressing mental health issues is important for your overall health.
Mental health problems can lead to physical problems, especially for seniors.
That's why it's important to separate myth and fact when it comes to older adults seeing a mental health professional.
Kren Harmon, a social worker with OSF HealthCare, has heard people not trust providers.
Or, they think getting help is a sign of weakness or will create a burden on family.
She also says some seniors think they will be forced to do off-the-wall treatment.
“There are just a lot of stereotypes about that. It’s going to make me feel like a zombie. I don’t want to be sedated. That’s not what we’re talking about with the newer SSRI medications," Harmon says. "It’s not going to sedate you. It’s just going to help you be a better version of yourself. Have a little more hope and energy.”
Harmon also says health systems have case management teams that can help with things like transportation and insurance.