Mental Health and Aging

Health is more than your body

Good health isn’t just about your body—it’s also about how you feel emotionally. Your mental well-being affects how you handle stress, adapt to change and connect with others. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing physical conditions like high blood pressure or joint pain. 

There’s no shame in getting support for your mental health. Just like you’d visit the doctor for a sore knee, it’s healthy and responsible to reach out when you’re feeling low, overwhelmed or anxious. 

Mental health challenges as we age 

As we get older, life changes can bring new emotional challenges. Retirement, the loss of a spouse or friend, physical illness, financial stress or living alone can all affect your mood and mental well-being. Even if you’ve never struggled emotionally before, it’s common to need more support with age. 

In fact, about 1 in 5 older adults experiences some kind of mental health issue. You are not alone - and help is available. 

How Banner Health can help 

At Banner Health, we offer tools, resources and compassionate care to support your mental well-being. Our team understands the unique needs of older adults and is here to help you feel your best. We provide in-person and online care, including: 

• One-on-one and group therapy sessions 
• Grief counseling and emotional support 
• Stress and anxiety management 
• Medication management 
• Psychiatric evaluations 
• Treatment for substance use and addiction 

Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or simply adjusting to a new stage of life, our behavioral health experts are here for you. 

Learn more about our behavioral health services. 

When to seek support

Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It can help you process changes, manage stress and feel more like yourself again. You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from mental health care. 

Consider reaching out for help if you: 

• Feel overwhelmed or anxious most days 
• Struggle with low energy or motivation 
• Are grieving or adjusting to a big life change 
• Have trouble sleeping or eating 
• Feel isolated or lonely 

Asking for support is a sign of strength. It shows you’re taking your health seriously and making yourself a priority. 

Everyday tips to feel your best

There are many small ways to protect and improve your mental health. These habits can help boost your mood and build emotional resilience: 

• Spend time with friends, family or a support group 
• Share your feelings with people you trust 
• Try journaling, painting or other creative outlets 
• Get regular physical activity, like walking or stretching 
• Eat a balanced, plant-rich diet 
• Limit alcohol, which can worsen mood 
• Get 7–8 hours of sleep each night 
• Learn a new hobby or skill to stay mentally active 
• Practice gratitude - write down what you’re thankful for 
• Keep a consistent daily routine 

Looking after your physical and brain health also supports your emotional well-being. 

Explore ways to stay active and support memory health. 

When mental health becomes serious

Mental health conditions can range from mild to severe. Some are short-term and improve with lifestyle changes or brief therapy. Others may need ongoing care. Recognizing the signs of a more serious mental health concern can help you or a loved one get help quickly. 

Warning signs may include: 

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm 
• Feeling hopeless or emotionally “numb” 
• Sudden mood swings or behavior changes 
• Sleeping or eating much more or much less than usual 
• Increased irritability or anger 
• Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors 
• Misusing alcohol or drugs 
• Unexplained physical pain, headaches or digestive problems 
• Withdrawing from activities or relationships 
• Engaging in risky or dangerous behavior 

Know when to call for help 

If you or someone you care about is in a crisis, don’t wait. Support is available right now: 

• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger 
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

Ready to take the next step? 

Whether you're looking for emotional support, help managing a mental health condition or simply want someone to talk to, Banner Health is here for you. Our caring team is ready to listen and help you feel better - starting today. 

Find mental health support at Banner Health.