Mental Health Awareness Month: Signs It Might Be Time to Reach Out

Everyone has ups and downs. But sometimes the “downs” start lasting longer, showing up more often, or making everyday life feel harder. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share a quick checklist that can help you recognize when it might be time to reach out for support, either for yourself or someone you care about.

Consider getting help if you notice:

· Feeling sad, anxious, or numb most days

· Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or routines you used to enjoy

· Changes in sleep (too much or too little) that do not improve

· Low energy, frequent tearfulness, irritability, or restlessness

· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

· Withdrawing from family or friends

· Using alcohol or other substances more than usual to cope

· Feeling hopeless, like things will not get better

If you notice any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help right away by calling or texting 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or going to the nearest emergency room.

For non-emergency support, Veterans Memorial Hospital-Senior Life Solutions Program is here. Our team works with older adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, and other challenges, and we can talk through next steps with you.

If someone you know is struggling, reaching out can make a difference. Anyone can make a referral to the Senior Life Solutions program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, and nursing or residential facilities. No referral is needed to learn more. Call us at 563-568-5560 or visit https://www.veteransmemorialhospital.com/services/senior_life_solutions/.