The Institute for Geropsychiatry at Timberlawn
A treatment program for older adults.

It is not uncommon for older men and women to find themselves more emotional in later years, especially after the loss of lifelong friends and the stress of a changing lifestyle. Medical complications and extended illnesses can also play a part in a person's sense of happiness and peace of mind.

Feeling anxious or depressed for an extended period of time is not a normal part of growing older. Families may notice a change in behavior or mood gradually, or it may occur seemingly overnight. It is advisable to seek a mental health consultation as soon as the symptoms are recognized, to begin the process of recovery.

Are Older Adults at Risk?

Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.

· For every 100,000 people ages 65 and older, 14.3 died by suicide in 2004. This figure is higher than the national average of 10.9 suicides per 100,000 people in the general population.¹

· Non-Hispanic white men age 85 or older had an even higher rate, with 17.8 suicide deaths per 100,000.¹

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) : www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisgars


Mental Health of Older Americans

Nearly 20% of those who are 55 and older experience mental disorders that are not part of normal aging. Most common disorders, in order of prevalence, are: anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Studies report, however, that mental disorders in older adults are under-reported. It is estimated that only half of older adults who acknowledge mental health problems receive treatment from any health care provider, and only a fraction of those receive specialty mental health services (3 percent).

http://www.aagpgpa.org/prof/facts_mh.asp


Help is only a phone call away.

Timberlawn has assessment specialists and Psychiatrists available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Call now for the help you or someone you care about needs.

214-381-7181

 

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