The short answer is: YES. One in five Americans will face mental illness in their lifetime. So whether it’s you, a family member, colleague, neighbor, or the person in line at the supermarket, it affects all of us. Fifteen percent of those 50 years old and above have a mental health disorder, and the number of older adults with mental illness is likely to double by 2030.
We know mental illness is all around us, and there are many initiatives in place to reduce the stigma of mental illness (although we have much more work to do). Still, two-thirds of older adults who have mental health issues are not receiving the treatment they need. My experience leads me to believe much of this has to do with people being unaware of their options, and even when aware, there are not enough resources available.
I have had the good fortune of working with many families to access the best care for clients with mental illness. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of patients and families and helped them access the care they need. Each one of us is a whole person—physical, mental, and emotional. For good health, behavioral or otherwise, this is how we need to be treated by the medical community. It seems to me this is the key to better treatment of behavioral health and reduced stigma.
Behavioral Health Tips for Ourselves and Loved Ones
It’s All Connected
Talk about behavioral health even when an “only medical issue” takes place.
For example: Your dad falls and breaks a hip, and he was pretty independent before this fall. Ask the doctor or nurse supervisor if there is a psychologist he can speak to, as you are concerned this will be a strain on him due to his pain and inability to move around freely.
Or perhaps: Dad was already working with a therapist of some sort. Let them know what has occurred, and also notify his primary care physician. You want the care team—including your dad and family—to treat this whole person for the best health outcomes.
Patient-Centered Care
Make sure the question “What’s important to you?” is asked and answered.
As a patient advocate, this is one of my first questions. Whether in a hospital, clinician’s office, or family meeting, this is critical. Adherence to treatment and the assurance that everyone is working toward the patient’s goals and priorities makes all the difference.
Check Your Bias
We all have biases—it’s just a fact. They can come from family dynamics, experiences, misinformation, and everything else. The key is to understand that we have them and, if at all possible, check them at the door before advocating. If necessary, ask someone who may be better able to assist to take over.
Physicians are not immune to biases either. So if you feel that a patient may be experiencing bias on the part of the physician, respectfully vocalize that concern. If they are unwilling to address your concern, seek another professional opinion.
Always Give Feedback and Ask Questions
- If you feel a treatment is or is not working, let the provider or care team know
- If there are concerns about medications or treatment, let the provider or care team know
- If you don’t understand anything, big or small, get clarification
- If a clinician is not leaving room for feedback from you, address it, and if there are no results, find another clinician
Care Answered can help.
nicole@careanswered.com | 516-584-2007 Ext. 1
Additional Resources
Mental Health Screening Tools – Mental Health America
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
https://www.samhsa.gov/
National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/
For Clinicians:
https://thereachinstitute.org/