RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Mental health is a burden for Americans both nationally and locally. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 474,000 adults in Nevada suffer from a mental health illness – more than eight times the population of Carson City. However, Americans over the age of 65 are more susceptible to mental health illnesses due to the stresses associated with aging, declining physical health and loneliness.
“One man told me he was upset that he was alone. He felt that his wife should have outlived him. That was what he expected, and now his world is so small,” said Annette Junel, co-founder of the Retirement Living Truths series. She was referring to a mental health crisis. “We actually know quite a few people, and most of it has to do with loneliness or the death of a spouse.”
These stressors can lead to suicide, with Nevada ranking ninth in the state for suicides, according to a Centers for Disease Control study. Local mental health advocacy groups say there are steps you can take to combat these stressors. “As you get older, your mental abilities can change. You start losing family and loved ones. These things can lead to depression. Your body changes can cause depression, and you can’t do the things you used to be able to do,” added Brett Junell, co-founder of the Retirement Living Truth Series.
The organization hosts free monthly seminars by experts. They call it a safe place for difficult conversations. “First, recognize that it’s an issue. There are adults, children, grandchildren out there who are struggling with mental health issues, people your age or younger. So we need to teach them how to recognize it, how to have conversations with people who they think are struggling, and how to refer them to the right resources, and what those resources are in the community.”
The Truth About Retirement Living series is a free, frank monthly series about the issues and options facing senior living today. The next free Retirement Living Truths Series seminar will be held on Thursday, June 20th (10-11:30 a.m.) at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and will focus on “The Truth About Our Mental Health As We Age.” The seminar will provide education and resources designed to help people live powerful lives and make informed decisions.
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