News

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. RiverView Health's Senior Life Solutions (SLS) team is spending time in the community raising awareness of the critical role mental health plays in our lives and encouraging community members to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.

Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable. According to Mental Health America, one in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and about half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lives, with symptoms starting by age 14 for the majority of people.

Services regarding mental health are a significant component of the SLS program. SLS is an outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis.

"If you or someone you know is struggling with a decline in their mental health, our program wants you to know we are here to help," shared SLS Program Director Charstyn Martinson, RN. "Whether through our program or another service, our team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support."

The program, started earlier this year, is going well, according to Martinson, with many individuals participating in group and individual therapy at the SLS location on RiverView’s Crookston campus or from the comfort of their homes through telehealth. While interest in the program is strong, Martinson said the goal of SLS is to help as many seniors as possible within the community.

Martinson and Lucas Shepherd, office patient coordinator, recently presented on the program at the RiverView Auxiliary's Spring Luncheon and again at the Senior Resource Fair. On May 22, SLS challenged all RiverView team members to wear green, the designated color for mental health awareness, as Martinson and Shepherd passed out green ribbons. SLS's final event for the month is bingo at the Golden Link Senior Center on May 24 at 1 pm.

The SLS Team suggests the following

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn more about mental health conditions, their signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage seeking help when needed.
• Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and social connection. Talking about your feelings and experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Limit Screen Time: Take breaks from screens and technology, especially social media, which can sometimes contribute to feelings of inadequacy or comparison. Instead, spend time engaging in activities that nourish your mind and body.
• Build a Coping Toolbox: Creating your toolbox can be as simple as writing a list of what helps, like breathing exercises or going for a walk – this way when you start struggling with your mental health, you do not have to remember what to do or search for tips. You can also have a physical toolbox and fill it with things like a stress ball, written notes to yourself, and photos that make you happy.

"It's important to remember that working on your mental health takes time," Martinson stated. "Change won't happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis."

If you are a senior struggling with mental health issues or are not sure where to start on your mental health journey, talk to your primary care provider about options or call Senior Life Solutions at 281.9559 for information on services.

Pictured above: Lucas Shepherd and Charstyn Martinson participated in the recent Senior Resource Fair to share information on RiverView’s Senior Life Solutions program.