CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As families gather for Easter egg hunts and other spring celebrations, local mental health providers are urging people to remember that the season can be difficult for some — and that simply taking time to listen can help.
Mental health specialists say not everyone feels joyful this time of year, particularly older adults who may be coping with loss and loneliness.{ } (WKRC)
Mental health specialists say not everyone feels joyful this time of year, particularly older adults who may be coping with loss and loneliness. Janice Jones, a therapist for adult services at Central Clinic Behavioral Health, said many older adults face depression and isolation.
“They deal with a lot of mental health issues especially depression. They are sometimes isolated, they’re alone. Sometimes they feel that people don’t care, nobody’s paying attention, nobody’s listening,” Jones said.
Jones and Dr. Kimberly Mages, president and CEO of Central Clinic Behavioral Health, recently discussed the issue on “What’s Happening in Health,” including a program the clinic has started to assist older adults with mental health care and help reconnect them with a sense of purpose.
Jones said building trust is key when supporting someone who is struggling.
“You sit and you talk with them – you don’t jump to it right away you build a repour with them. Once you build that rapport and they feel safe with you then they will open up and talk with you,” she said.
Providers also cautioned that spring can bring risks people may not expect. Mages said that while the season is not often thought of as a high-risk time for suicide, changes that come with spring can be dangerous for someone already experiencing suicidal thoughts.
“When spring happens sometimes you get just enough energy to act on those suicidal thoughts,” Mages said.
Mages said listening can be a first step, followed by encouraging someone to seek help and reminding them that recovery is possible.
“The next step would be then persuading them that there is hope there is healing possible because they’re in a lot of pain and when you’re in pain, you’re just looking to escape the pain,” she said.
Central Clinic Behavioral Health said it will work with families to address cost and other barriers to getting mental health care for a loved one who is struggling.