For many people aging and growing older can be a time of great expectations. Seeing the world through the eyes of grandchildren. Perhaps retiring and planning to invest more time in leisure activities, or maybe even traveling to exotic ports of call. But, growing older can also bring serious challenges to your health and well-being. The physical health crises often associated with aging such as heart disease, orthopedic issues, potential memory loss and other obstacles can take their toll on a person. However, the emotional issues and mental health problems that confront people as they age are just as serious as any other health challenges, especially depression.

Serious depression among the geriatric population left untreated can be fatal. The elderly are the highest risk population for suicide in the country. And yet, there are very few prevention programs that are specifically designed to assist the elderly and their families in coping with serious mental illness. Fortunately, Long Island does have some very good outpatient mental health services for the geriatric population and both counties do an excellent job of planning services for the aged and providing outreach to assist individuals and their families access help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which based its findings on 2004 data, the overall suicide rate in the United States is 11 per 100,000 people. However, among those 65 and older that figure rises to 14 per 100,000. Older adults are frequently less likely to seek help and are more lethal in their suicide attempts. Some of the reasons for this include access to numerous prescription drugs, poor health care coordination, lack of a social support system, and limited health insurance coverage for mental health services.

Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, depression is under-detected at all ages and many people are reluctant to seek help. The majority of public funding for mental health services is targeted toward younger people. The Associated Press recently reported that this situation prompted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who lost his father to suicide, to propose additional federal funding for suicide prevention programs for the elderly and changing a Medicare coverage-age rule that forces seniors to pay more for outpatient mental health services than any other medical care. Many states, including New York are re-evaluating their mental health services and policies that affect the geriatric population. But it is yet to be seen whether the necessary funding to support new community-based mental health initiatives for the aged will follow. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant in caring for our aged relatives, neighbors and friends who may feel isolated, depressed and despondent.

Aging with mental illness doesn't have to be isolating. Help is available for individuals, families and caregivers. Therapy, medication, family support, care coordination and case management services are provided by licensed and experienced professionals in the community. Why let depression interfere with the pleasurable experiences of growing older? If you need help, please call our Counseling Center at 822-6111.