As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Arkansas health officials are reminding older adults of the resources available, as the social isolation of the pandemic has hit them particularly hard. One in four older adults nationwide reported anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study. Dr. Tammy Alexander helps lead the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services at the Arkansas Department of Human Services. She says social distancing cut many older adults off from support networks, which exacerbated mental-health challenges.
The state Department of Human Services supports 12 community mental-health centers that are able to serve people who are uninsured or underinsured. For people without insurance who need “light-touch” mental health counseling services, D-H-S supports therapeutic counseling in all 75 counties in the state. Dr. Rhonda Randall agrees it’s important to look out for signs of mental health challenges in loved ones. That may mean an uncharacteristic disinterest in activities they usually enjoy, a change in sleep patterns, or mentioning feelings of hopelessness. She added that it’s important for people to seek help from a trusted health professional.
According to the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Report from United Health Foundation, 23-point-five percent of Arkansans reported being told by a doctor that they had a depressive disorder.