For the final show in our three-part series about the mental health impacts of the past year, called Taking A Toll, we talk about older adults. With many facing technological barriers and cognitive issues, elderly people are struggling with isolation and depression. We discuss solutions and resources to help.
Air date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
GUESTS:
- Joe Capabianco - retired resident of RiverWoods in Durham.
- Anne Marie Olsen-Hayward - a licensed clinical social worker and the director of the state's Referral Education Assistance and Prevention program (REAP).
- Dr. Jodi Marshall - Medical Director for the St. Joseph Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit.
- Brendan Williams - President and CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association.
Resources and Advice from Our Guests
The phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.
The phone number for NAMI NH is 1-800-242-6264.
The American Psychological Association has COVID-19 information and resources.
The CDC has guidelines for coping with stress.
New Hampshire has peer support agencies.
Speaking of Suicide has a list of resources.
Get some exercise.
Try to stay positive.
Talk to someone about how you're feeling.
Call 211 for assistance.
Call REAP's referral line: 603-957-5913.
Try to keep a daily routine.
Try to maintain social contact in a safe way: FaceTime, Zoom, email, write letters, etc.
Keep a normal sleep cycle.
Every day do something that makes you happy.
Listen to music.
Practice your spirituality or faith.
This show was produced by Jane Vaughan.