Senior's Guide to Mental Health
As you age, your body isn’t the only thing that benefits from a little extra care. We can help with tips to keep your mind going strong.
As you age, your body isn’t the only thing that benefits from a little extra care. We can help with tips to keep your mind going strong.
Retirement can be a wonderful time. Still, things like losing close friends, not seeing family as much as you’d like, and other factors can affect the way you think and feel. You don’t have to go it alone.
Your health plan includes behavioral health benefits, like mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Best of all, you only pay your plan deductible, copay or coinsurance when you receive care in network. Your plan also offers a variety of resources that are completely free.
If you're looking for an easy way to find therapy for older adults in Michigan, make an appointment with your PCP for a list of references. They may have other care options for you to try as well.
Don’t have a PCP? You can log in to your Blue Cross member account to find one.
Anxiety disorders in older adults are common, affecting 10% to 20% of people.1
Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
Feeling restless, nervous or irritable
Having a racing or pounding heart
Feeling you can't catch your breath
Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression in older adults.2
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless
Irritability, restlessness or jumpy
Moving or talking slower than usual
SELF CARE
Explore these free services and resources designed to help you be your best self.
See how you can reduce universal stigma on mental health
Education is always a good place to start when it comes to stigma. Know the facts, and advocate for yourself and others when opportunities come up. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Be aware of your attitude and behavior. Examine your own judgmental thinking that may have been planted or reinforced by society.
Always put thought into your words. What you say can perpetuate stigma, even if you don’t mean to, and affect the well-being of others.
Talk to your friends and family about mental health and be supportive of their decisions to seek treatment.
Social isolation can pose a threat to both physical and mental health for anyone, but especially for seniors. Limited human contact is even linked to many chronic conditions including depression, heart disease and high blood pressure.3 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan believes in the healing power of human connection, even when it may feel tough to do so. Here are a few suggestions for helping to cope with isolation or loneliness.
Being there for a loved one can be very rewarding. Still, studies have shown higher levels of stress in caregivers versus non-caregivers. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression or an increased intake of alcohol or other substances .4
Here are just a few ways you can take care of yourself while looking after a loved one:
Researchers have found that those who engaged in hobbies report lower levels of depression.
Get the guide
Alcohol overuse can lead to a cycle of anxiety and depression.
Get the facts
Symptoms of anxiety and depression have long been linked to inactive lifestyles.
Learn the signs
You’ve got the most important job in the world. Let us help you through it.
See parent's guide
Good health unites all of us. Get tips for a strong mind-body connection.
See member's guideThe information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be, nor should be used as or relied upon as, professional medical advice. Nothing contained on this webpage is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. For medical advice, or to receive medical diagnosis or treatment, consult with your health care provider.
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