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  Older Adults & Mental Health Fact Sheet

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: 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or 1-888-628-9454 (Español)  

      For teletypewriter (TTY) services: dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255  

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

NAMI – Tips for Talking with your Doctor: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider  

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

Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative: https://oregonbhi.org/ 

• Provides information, resources, reports, and events focused on mental health for older adults 

SAMSHA Toolkits & Programming: https://store.samhsa.gov/?f%5b0%5d=population_group:5319  

• A variety of toolkits, interventions, and resources that focus on mental health for older adults 

Coast to Forest Resource List: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/coast-forest-mental-health-promotion-rural-oregon  

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

References

1. Older Adults and Mental Health  

2. Older Adult Mental Health  

3. Behavioral Health Challenges for Older Adults and People with Disabilities in Oregon and the United States  

4. Depression In Older Adults: More Facts  

5. Get Connected: Linking Older Adults with Resources on Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health  

6. Risk and Protective Factors