A holistic approach to health and well-being should always include an emphasis on mental health. No matter your age, your mental health can profoundly impact your daily life and your outlook. When you take steps to enhance your mental well-being, you can enrich your overall health, happiness, and quality of life.
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a variety of mental health resources for older adults to help propel you forward on your wellness journey.
No matter your age, mental health challenges can seriously impact your life. The most common mental health disorders for older adults are depression and anxiety. A 2018 study found that other common challenges for adults in the 55+ population include cognitive disorders and various forms of substance abuse.
Although mental health challenges are common, they are not an inevitable or normal part of growing older, as the National Council on Aging points out. Rather, they are treatable conditions.
Even if you haven’t struggled with your mental health in the past, aging can bring about new experiences that may lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. These experiences can include, for example:
Whatever your circumstances or mental health challenges, a great place to start is to meet with a mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Discuss your symptoms candidly so they can make informed recommendations to help you improve your mental health. In some cases, medication may be a key part of the overall approach to improving your mood and mental well-being.
Whether you believe you’re struggling with your mental health or not, you can also become better informed on these issues and take positive steps to invest in your well-being by exploring some of the mental health and wellness resources below.
The internet provides a wealth of information on mental health topics. However, it’s important to stick to reliable sources of information. Some helpful websites to check out include:
Technology can be a negative or a positive tool for our mental health, depending on how we wield it. Consider downloading some of these apps onto your phone or tablet and using them to make enhancing your mental health a fun and interactive experience:
Studies show that journaling can lessen feelings of anxiety and depression and even boost memory. Of course, you can always keep it simple with pen and paper, but you may want to try a journaling app like Reflectly or Day One. These apps offer prompts to inspire you and help make journaling part of your daily routine.
Meditation offers both physical and mental health benefits, including the potential to promote healthy aging. If you need a little guidance to help you incorporate meditation into your life, consider trying apps like Headspace or Calm. These apps have gained significant popularity by making meditation more accessible to many people.
Exercising our minds is vital, especially as we age. You can improve your mental fitness in a variety of ways. One effective and enjoyable method is using apps designed for mental exercise. Consider trying brain training apps like NeuroNation or Lumosity. Additionally, puzzles and word games offer an easy way to give your mind a stretch.
Becoming more in tune with your thoughts and emotions can help you develop a better sense of your mental health and determine whether interventions you’re trying to boost your mood are helping. Certain apps allow you to keep track of your mood each day or even mood changes throughout the day. Consider trying apps like Moodfit or Daylio to approach your mental health with greater intention.
Therapy can be highly effective in helping you better understand and work through your mental health challenges. Consider which approach to therapy may be the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Therapy sessions with licensed professionals — held either in your home or the therapist’s office — can provide a safe space to share your thoughts and receive insight and guidance. Therapy sessions can be held one-on-one, as a couple or family, or in a group.
Telehealth platforms make therapy more easily accessible for many people. Over a third of adults 65 and older say they would use telehealth for mental health services. You can meet with a therapist via a phone or video call using a mental health services website or app. You may also want to check with your insurance company to see what services or providers are covered or whether they can connect you to a specific telehealth platform.
Talking about your struggles with people who understand what you’re going through can be therapeutic. Plus, you can benefit from more social connections and even form deep relationships. You can find both in-person and online support groups for a variety of challenges, from grieving the loss of a loved one to overcoming an addiction.
Local, in-person support groups can be especially conducive to helping you feel a sense of belonging and empathy. Check with your local senior center, senior living community, weekly newspaper, or faith community to learn about available opportunities. You can also look for local groups by searching online, including the keyword “near me.”
Online communities can also offer real opportunities for peer support and connection. There are many avenues for joining these online groups. For example, through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), you can find a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group, including ones that meet virtually. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) also offers free online peer support communities. You may also find topical forums and virtual support communities through some mental health apps.
Your local community may offer some simple yet valuable resources to help you invest in your well-being, including your mental health. Consider exploring one of these options:
Prioritizing mental well-being is crucial at every age. Growing older does not mean losing your spark or sense of purpose and optimism. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can take steps toward positive change. Seeking professional help or approaching your mental health with greater intention is not a sign of weakness; it can be a powerful means of enhancing your total well-being.
Try incorporating some of the mental health and wellness resources we’ve shared into your life, and see whether they make a difference in your outlook.
At WesleyLife, we believe in revolutionizing the aging experience with a commitment to healthy, joyful living at every age. Learn more about what it means to Pursue Your Joy.