Retirement News : Seniors : New Mental Health Directory Links Seniors To Resources

New Mental Health Directory Links Seniors To Resources

Date Added: 28-07-2005

Wednesday, 27 July 2005 Westchester Senior NewsWhite Plains, NY - Westchester County has numerous mental health resources to help seniors and their families – but people don’t always know how to find them. Now the answer is as close as a new county publication, The Senior Citizens Guide to Mental Health Services. The new guide, published by the county Department of Senior Programs and Services with help from its partners, offers seniors and their families a starting point to find information on mental health programs, counseling, dementia, addiction, supportive services, and related insurance questions. The guide is available by calling the department at (914) 813-6400. “Seniors sometimes ignore mental-health problems because they are embarrassed to discuss them with a doctor, convince themselves that ‘feeling blue’ is part of aging, or simply don’t know where to turn,” Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said. “Mental health conditions can be treated – if seniors reach out for care. Westchester County has a tremendous amount of valuable resources and this guide should make it easier to tap them.” Department of Senior Programs and Services Deputy Commissioner Diane Booker said older adults and their families may face stress and depression related to aging, physical ailments, caregiving pressures, loneliness and emotional issues. “Older individuals and their families do not have to cope with stress and depression alone,’’ she said. “I encourage people to use this guide and then take the next step – seeking help.” The mental health guide was a collaboration between the county, the Westchester Public/ Partnership for Aging Services and The Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. The research and its publication were funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. For More Information: http://westchester.com/Westchester_News/Westchester_Senior_News/New_Mental_Health_Directory_Links_Seniors_To_Resources_200507275488.html