Senior Depression – Not Seeking Care

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

Can you believe that 1 in 3 respondents age 65+ think they can just “snap out of it” when asked about their symptoms of depression? A new nationwide poll, the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor, shows that nearly two-thirds (61%) of Americans age 65 or older who have concerns about having depression will not seek treatment!

“The ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mindset of some seniors and reluctance to talk about mental health are hindering them from getting the help they need, especially now when the pandemic is having an enormous impact on the mental health of older Americans” said Dr. Mark Pollack, chief medical officer of Myriad Neuroscience. “People seeking treatment for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes and depression is no different, it is an illness that can and should be treated.”

As we continue to hunker down and isolate our residents from their loved ones and their community at large, please be aware of these statistics. If you make a difference for even one of your residents that would be amazing! Talk to them, encourage them, provide social outlets via zoom, email, window visits, etc. but mostly, be alert to the signs and symptoms of depression.

Thank you for all you do for your residents, stay the course, stay strong, stay well, mask up, and stay tuned!