Take care of your mental health as an older adult
Everyone has ups and downs, including as life changes with aging. If you’ve been feeling sad, worried or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many older adults have changes in their mental health at some point. In fact, about 1 in 8 adults age 60+ have a mental health challenge each year.1 Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among older adults, affecting 1 in 7 U.S. adults age 65+.2
It’s normal to feel down occasionally. But what’s most important is knowing that taking care of your mental health is as vital as caring for your body. You can get help for those feelings.
It’s healthy to talk about mental health
You may have grown up at a time when people didn’t talk openly about mental health. Many people learned to keep those feelings private and push through them.
Today, more people are opening up and getting support. Talking with a trained professional — like a primary care provider (PCP) or a counselor — is a simple first step. If you’re feeling down, anxious or overwhelmed, they can help you find ways to feel better. And when you feel better, you may sleep better, have more energy, enjoy stronger personal and work relationships, and improve your focus and memory.
Common life events that affect feelings
There are many reasons older adults may find themselves dealing with mental health concerns. And everyone responds differently to the causes. There isn’t a “right” way to feel.
You may notice changes in how you feel when you deal with:
- Changes in relationships
- Life transitions, such as retirement or moving
- Financial problems
- Living with a chronic or painful condition
- Losing a loved one
These experiences are a normal part of life and many people go through them at various points. It’s common to feel anxious or depressed or have similar feelings during times like these, even if you’ve handled challenges like this in the past.
Signs it may be time to talk with a provider
If these feelings don’t go away or start to affect your daily life, it may be time to talk with your PCP or a mental health professional.
See your PCP or a mental health professional if you notice signs such as:
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feeling sad, worried or overwhelmed more often than usual
- Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
- Pulling away from friends, family or social activities
It may help to have someone listen and understand.
Your primary care provider is a good place to start
You don’t need to figure this out on your own — your provider is there to help. Talk with them about how you’ve been feeling. You don’t need the perfect words to start. They can help you understand what you’re going through, what your options are and how to connect to the right support.
Together, you can talk through next steps based on your needs. These may include therapy (individual, group, family, couples, peer support groups and online), medication or other support options.
To find a provider, visit your member site and look for Find Care.
Support may be available through your plan
Your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan may offer programs and resources to support your mental health and well-being, including:
- Fitness programs for body and mind
- Digital tools such as mental health apps
- Community programs and classes to help you stay connected
Safety information
You’re not alone. Help is available.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re in immediate danger
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential 24/7 support
- Call the Substance Use Helpline at 1-855-780-5955, TTY 711 for free, confidential 24/7 support
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