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COVID-19 Impact on Mental Health During the Holidays

Date: 12/07/20

Buckeye Health Plan Shares Tips to Support Older Adults

COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted older adults. They are at a higher risk of serious illness1 if infected and account for 86 percent of COVID-related deaths as of July 2020 in Ohio.2 Many older Ohioans have cancelled gatherings with friends and family to protect themselves. Remaining home alone during the holidays can create or worsen mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.

As your guide to better health, Buckeye Health Plan is raising awareness of the mental health challenges that older adults may face this holiday season while putting their physical health first. Buckeye encourages older adults to know the signs of declining mental health and learn ways to cope during this challenging time.

Prior to the pandemic, 43 percent of Americans, age 60 and older, reported feeling lonely. And, one in four Americans age 65 and older reported feeling socially isolated.3 Health experts suspect these numbers have increased due to older adults remaining isolated at home. As these mental health challenges increase, it’s important to understand the signs and take steps to help those struggling with it.

Signs that a person may be socially isolated:2

  • Deep boredom, general lack of interest and withdrawal
  • Losing interest in personal hygiene
  • Poor eating and nutrition
  • Significant disrepair, clutter and hoarding at home

Social isolation can lead to other mental challenges like depression and anxiety. One in four adults ages 65 and older reported anxiety or depression in August 2020; this rate is 1.5 times higher than the one in 10 older adults with Medicare who reported depression or anxiety in 2018.4

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or other mental health concerns, it is important to acknowledge your feelings. Know that it's okay not to feel happy or joyous and reach out for support. Talk to your doctor or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Buckeye encourages Ohioans struggling with mental health issues during the holidays to look for ways to stay healthy like:

  • Calling, texting or video chatting with family and friends often
  • Exercising, as physical activity it’s good for body and mind
  • Reading a book or playing games to keep your mind fresh
  • Cooking healthy dinners and sharing recipes online with family and friends
  • Catching up on a TV series or watching a movie

Ohioans can also turn to their health plan for support. “Buckeye supports older adults dealing with the realities of being physically isolated during the pandemic,” said Laura Paynter, Buckeye senior director of behavioral health. “We offer support services and access to resources to help members maintain and improve their mental health.”

Buckeye offers a free online tool called Buckeye Community Connect that enables hospitals, social workers, healthcare providers, care coordinators and community members to quickly and easily find free or low-cost resources and services available in their area. With a simple ZIP code search, the tool links visitors to local organizations that provide help with food, housing, transportation, medical care and more. Visit CommunityConnect.BuckeyeHealthPlan.com to learn more.

Buckeye offers a behavioral health crisis line and telehealth services to support members' needs. Call 1-866-246-4358 and press * to be connected to a behavioral health specialist.

References:

  1. How Many Adults Are at Risk of Serious Illness If Infected with Coronavirus? Updated Data. Retrieved November 11, 2020 
  2. Meredith Freed, J. (2020, July 24). What Share of People Who Have Died of COVID-19 Are 65 and Older – and How Does It Vary By State? Retrieved November 11, 2020
  3. How Many Adults Are at Risk of Serious Illness If Infected with Coronavirus? Updated Data. Retrieved November 11, 2020
  4. One in Four Older Adults Report Anxiety or Depression Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved November 11, 2020