At Restoring Connections, we are here if you need us.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unprecedented numbers of people are struggling with mental health conditions. Among those struggling with mental illness, many find their symptoms are worsening due to lack of access to mental health care. Many mental health professionals are unable to accept insurance. In other cases, health insurance—including Medicare—fails to adequately cover mental health care.
The pandemic has aggravated the situation. Isolation with fewer opportunities for social connection have taken a toll on our youth and our older population. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In our Elder Wisdom programming we often discuss how seniors can be a healing and mentoring presence for younger people. At the same time, our Elder Wisdom Planning Committee is attentive to isolation and depression in retired adults. Mental health disorders affect about 20% of older people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly one in three of those seniors doesn’t receive treatment.
If you could benefit from a confidential and supportive listening context with a Soul Care focus, we would be happy to pair you with one of our trained volunteer Soul Care Providers. You can contact us at 303-383-1610x2 and leave a message or send an email to info@restoringconnections.org.