Mental health is a significant factor in our overall health and well-being. Yet, finding adequate mental healthcare can be difficult, especially as we age.
However, unbeknownst to many, several free mental health resources are available for people of all ages. These resources can offer the support you need to maintain a healthy mental state, even during the most challenging times in life.
As we age, we tend to feel isolated from those we care about. You may find yourself alone more frequently, in a new living arrangement, or even in a facility with a stranger you’ve never met. These situations can take a hard hit on your confidence and, without the proper help, can cause you to shut down physically and emotionally.
To combat this, we have compiled a list of five free mental wellness resources to help get you out of the rut in which you may find yourself. We hope this list encourages you to seek the mental healthcare and well-being you deserve.
1. engAGED
engAGED is part of The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, a nationwide program dedicated to increasing the social engagement of older Americans. By expanding engagement efforts across the country, this program serves those with disabilities, caregivers, and those feeling isolated.
engAGED is currently hosting webinars to help engagement efforts while keeping in mind safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program can help you get involved within your community and meet like-minded individuals from across the country through virtual meetups and events.
2. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is an online tool provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. This tool can help you find the right physicians and licensed therapists to treat your symptoms.
To use the tool, all you need to do is input your location, and a list of local doctors, facilities, and treatment centers will populate. There are several filters you can utilize within the tool to help you narrow down your search. You can be as specific or broad as you wish.
3. Crisis Text Line
In a crisis? The Crisis Text Line can help. Whether you wish to text through your cellular device, through their website, or through WhatsApp, someone is always available to help you through your situation.
The 24/7 chat line can help you in emergency situations and in times when your mental health is at a low point. You can chat with a trained professional anywhere in the U.S.
The Crisis Text Line helps in situations involving:
- Violence
- Mental health
- Eating disorders
- And more
The text line is completely anonymous, and your information will not be shared with others.
4. Calm Mobile App
The Calm mobile app is great for those who wish to work on their mental health one step at a time, at their own pace, and in the comfort of their own home. This app is designed to calm anxiety and rejuvenate those in a depressive state.
Through meditation, white noise, calculated breathing, and mindfulness, the app aims to help:
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce stress
- Improve focus
- And more
The creators of the app, Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith, are passionate about helping to improve your mental fitness, and their Calm app does just that. This app is available for download in both the (Apple) App Store and Google Play app store.
5. MentalHealth.gov
MentalHealth.gov is the federal resource for mental health services and resources. This website contains information regarding how to find help, what to do in a crisis, activities to reduce stress, recipes, research, and more.
Through MentalHealth.org, you can read through experiences similar to your own, learn new coping skills, and understand why you feel the way you are feeling. There are several resources, help lines, and activities available to help you get your mental well-being in check.
Mental Healthcare in Your Golden Years
Mental health is important, particularly as we age. The above resources can provide some help, but you may also require a therapist or mental health specialist as the next step on your mental wellness journey.
If you are enrolled in Medicare coverage, you may be wondering how Medicare covers mental health services. Luckily, Original Medicare provides coverage for certain mental health services, depending on your needs and diagnosis. Medicare prescription drug coverage, through a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, can also help you obtain any psychiatric medications you require.
Remember, you are not alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is okay to ask for help when you are not feeling okay.
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