Carthage, TN (May 23, 2023) – The stigma surrounding mental illnesses can be reduced when people are made aware of disorders and treatments. During the month of May, and all year-round, Riverview Regional Medical Center aims to raise awareness and bring resources to people who may be struggling with mental illness.
Our population is aging; and aging can have a mental toll on an individual. According to the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization, “At least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder.” Common mental disorders in elderly individuals are anxiety, depression, dementia, sleep disorders, psychosis, behavioral disorders, and more.
“Mental illness can be hard to come to terms with and sometimes seeking help seems like a daunting task,” says Sharon Jendras, MSN, RN, Senior Life Solutions Program Director at Riverview Regional Medical Center and Trousdale Medical Center. The Senior Life Solutions program provides necessary resources to those who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
Jendras says recognizing the symptoms of anxiety and depression is the first step to getting help. Some of those signs can include:
· Loneliness
· Isolation
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Helplessness
· Difficulty sleeping
· Hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness)
· Decreased Energy
· Loss of a loved one or loss of independence
· Crying spells
· Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
· Change in appetite
· Struggling with chronic health conditions
· Struggling with new health diagnosis
· Hypervigilance with health concerns
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, the Senior Life Solutions program can help. This program is an outpatient intensive counseling group assisting elderly people struggling with anxiety or depression. Individual assessments allow our providers to understand every person uniquely and can develop personal connections to all members of the group. The group meets three times per week to provide support and encouragement to one another. Participants can attend these meetings in person or through telehealth.
Another resource for individuals experiencing a sudden loss in cognitive ability or mental health crisis is the Renewal Center. This facility, located in the Riverview Regional Medical Center, is an inpatient treatment center that strives to create a better quality of life for aging individuals by providing a mix of psychological and medical care.
Mental health is important. For more information, call 615. 735.5310 or visit MyRiverviewMedical.com/Renewal or MyRiverviewMedical.com/senior-life-solutions.
About Riverview Regional Medical Center – Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, Tennessee. RRMC provides general medical and surgical care, 24-hour emergency services (including an accredited chest pain center), skilled nursing, psychiatric services, childbirth and geriatric care to residents of Smith and surrounding counties. Riverview Regional Medical Center is a facility of HighPoint Health System. To learn more, call 615-735-1560 or visit MyRiverviewMedical.com.
