Older Adults & Mental Health Fact Sheet

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Coast to Forest Resources

Thank you for exploring our fact sheet series. To learn more about substance use and mental health, check out our other fact sheets. To find local resources, check out the Coast to Forest County-Specific Resource Guides. For a variety of national and state-focused resources, please visit our Helplines & Practical Tools page.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the combination of emotional, psychological, and social well-being¹
Life changes such as the death of a loved one, retirement, or isolation can impact mental health²
Mental health challenges can occur at any age, and it is important to be aware of how these challenges may present differently for older adults. Additionally, older adults are at a higher risk for some mental health conditions like depression¹

Facts & Statistics

One in five Americans over the age of 65 are living with one or more mental health or substance use conditions³
Adults 65 and older account for 13% of the U.S. population, but 20% of all suicide deaths⁴
Out of all 50 states, Oregon has the highest rate of hospitalizations for opioid-related conditions for adults over the age of 65³

Warning Signs

A sudden change in behavior⁶
Changes in mood or energy¹
Changes in sleeping or eating habits²
Social withdrawal or isolation¹
Feeling apathetic or having difficulty feeling positive emotions¹
Feeling worried or stressed¹
Feeling confused, angry, irritable, or upset²
Increased use of substances¹
Thoughts of self-harm or harming others¹
Difficulty concentrating¹
Persistent headaches, digestive issues, or pain¹

Prevention

Prevention is possible. There are many ways to promote mental health for older adults. Below is a list of different ways to help promote mental health.

Educate the public, older adults, healthcare providers, and those that work with older adults about the mental health for older adults⁵
Combat stigma surrounding mental health for older adults⁵
Implement evidence-based programs that promote mental health⁵
Reach out. If you see warning signs reach out early and often⁵

Treatment

Treatment works and can include psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, or a combination^2,5

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

24/7 confidential support for people in crisis as well as their families and friends.

988 or 1-800-273-8255 or 1-888-628-9454 (Español)
For teletypewriter (TTY) services: dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255

NAMI – Tips for Talking with your Doctor

A guide for how to talk with your doctor about mental health concerns

Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative

Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative provides information, resources, reports, and events focused on mental health for older adults.

SAMSHA Toolkits & Programming

SAMSHA provides a variety of toolkits, interventions, and resources that focus on mental health for older adults.

Coast to Forest Resource List

A comprehensive list of resources in Oregon, organized by county.

References

Acknowledgments

This fact sheet was developed by the Oregon State University Coast to Forest team, a collaboration of the College of Health, OSU Center for Health Innovation and OSU Extension Service Family & Community Health program. We would like to thank the H 310 Health Field Experience students for their contributions.

For more information and to explore local resources, check out the Coast to Forest County-Specific Resource Guides.