Myrtue Medical Center Senior Life Solutions Shares Practical Tools To Improve Mental Health

May is Mental Health awareness month

May is Mental Health Month, which was started 73 years ago by a national organization, Mental Health America (MHA). Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental Health Month Myrtue Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions is highlighting what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, many people found themselves struggling with mental health challenges for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on coping skills that can help us process the events of the past several years and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19.

“The past few years forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over,” said Dave Bauman, Director of Senior Life Solutions. “If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone.”

Fortunately, there are programs that can help improve your mental health. Myrtue’s Senior Life Solutions program is focused on managing anxiety, recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns, and making time to take care of yourself.

Myrtue’s Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient program designed to meet the needs of seniors in our community typically ages 65 and older struggling with issues such as depression or anxiety that can sometimes be related to aging. We are located in a new location on Myrtue’s campus – 1303 Garfield Ave.

Senior Life Solutions has 10 members in the program. Over the past two years, the program has served 40 members.

During this month of May, Myrtue’s Senior Life Solutions team wants to remind everyone that mental illness is real, and that recovery is possible. It is possible to find a balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic and our team can help.

“With this, it’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time,” said Bauman. “Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.”

For more information, you can call Myrtue’s Senior Life Solutions at 712.755.4327.