Senior citizens are more likely to experience depression than other groups of adults but are less likely to seek treatment.
Adam Nemer, a former healthcare executive who founded Simple Mental Health, said mental health care is especially important for senior citizens because that group is more likely to experience chronic illness, but stigma keeps many from seeking help.
“Our physical health impacts our mental health. Our mental health impacts our physical health,” he said.
Caregivers of elderly parents also should take care of their mental health, he said.
“Mental illness is contagious,” he said. “When we’re around folks that are struggling, if we don’t take care of ourselves, it impacts us.”
Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health plans cover mental health services, but for those with an immediate need for care, there’s a national hotline anyone can reach by calling 988.
“Anywhere across America, if you’re worried that you or someone else in your life could be struggling with a mental health crisis, you can call 988 and ask for help.