World Mental Health Day is October 10

World Mental Health Day is October 10 and encourages conversations about mental health, access to care, and support for people of every age.

Older adulthood can bring grief, caregiving changes, new health concerns, reduced independence, and changes in daily routines. These experiences can affect mood, sleep, energy, and connection with others.

Checking in with an older loved one can begin with a caring question: “How have you been feeling lately?” Listening with patience can help someone feel supported and may open the door to additional care when needed.

More help is available locally than ever before. Veterans Memorial Hospital’s (VMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) Program provides outpatient mental health services for older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and other emotional or behavioral health concerns. Services include group therapy, individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. Call 563-568-5560 for more information.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Tara Fink, PMHNP; Angela Taylor, PMHNP and Janet Hunter, PMHNP, are all available for anyone of any age experiencing a mental health issue.  To make an appointment in Waukon, call 563-568-5530 or in Postville, call 563-864-7221. Self-referrals to these programs are always welcome.