TORONTO – The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) has practical tools for older adults, their families, and health care providers to better support their mental well-being.
CCSMH is a national, interdisciplinary organization dedicated to promoting better mental health outcomes for older adults.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was really difficult for older Canadians, especially those living in long-term care,” said CCSMH executive director Claire Checkland.
“It shone a spotlight on some underlying challenges that we are eager to address. And there’s great reason for hope.”
Recent findings from Mental Health Research Canada suggest 80 per cent of older adults across Canada feel hopeful about the future.
“Mental illness is not a natural part of aging; we have the right to mental wellness no matter our age,” said Checkland.
“Our organization is committed to ensuring that older adults can get help if they need it so that they can flourish in all seasons of life.”
Making sense of mental health challenges
CCSMH has recently released a new pamphlet helping older adults make sense of depression, drawing on the best available evidence reviewed by a committee of experts.
Since 2002, the organization has brought together health professionals and older adults to create clinical and public-facing resources on topics like depression, delirium, and substance use.
New clinical guidelines in development
CCSMH is currently working on new clinical guidelines for anxiety, social isolation and loneliness, and the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
“CCSMH is truly a pan-Canadian effort,” founding co-chair Dr. David Conn remarked.
“We have a remarkably dedicated team coming together with renewed energy to lead with evidence and empathy in support of the mental health of older adults right across the country,” he said.
To learn more about how to support an older adult you know to flourish or access CCSMH mental health resources, visit ccsmh.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. If you need emergency help, call 911, or visit your local emergency department. To reach a local crisis line call 1-833-456-4566, toll free anywhere in Canada.
