Prioritizing Mental Health
Hope Grows provides the same programs and services to those family caregivers of someone with a mental disorder. While no one likes to think about this, helping someone through addiction, depression and anxiety is lonely, exhausting and confusing. We are here to help. While our FAQ’s at this time address mental health in older adults, we are here to help with any age when it comes to a mental health issue.
The Root of Good Care Counseling program helps to unlock the power of healing and growth, we help to find peace and clarity to navigate the complexities of boundaries, guilt, shame, loneliness, and communication issues that surround helping someone with mental illness. Our area of expertise is grief, identity loss, and the “loss before the loss”, anxiety depression, trauma, caregiving stress, fatigue and burnout, relationship/family issues, time/life management and stress reduction/management. While you may be helping someone with addiction, PTSD, personality disorders, to name a few, our expertise is with the family, not the specific disorder. If you are not sure where to begin with support, we can help guide and support. Email intake@hopegrows.org or call 412-369-4673.
Explore National and Local Resources
National Resources
Taking care of your mental health—or supporting someone else—can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve gathered trusted resources to help you find the support, tools, and guidance you need to navigate challenges as a caregiver.
Local Resources
Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from right in your own community. We’ve gathered local mental health resources to help you connect with nearby professionals, services, and support networks that understand your area and your needs.
Mental Health FAQs
What are the common mental health problems older adults face?
Some of the most common mental health problems experienced by older adults include depression, substance abuse, anxiety, suicide, and dementia.
Are older adults more at risk for suicide?
Yes, adults aged 85+ have the highest suicide rates.
Why are older adults more likely to complete suicide?
Social isolation and loneliness have been shown to be linked to suicidality in older adults. It has also been linked to physical conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, declining cognitive abilities, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What are some warning signs I can look for in someone I am worried about?
Changes in sleeping patterns- sleeping too much or too little, feeling hopeless, giving away prized belongings, anger and irritability, engaging in high-risk activities, headaches and chronic pains, and constant worrying.
What should I do if my loved one is resisting mental health treatment?
Your loved one may be afraid of the stigma with mental health treatment and view it as a sign of weakness. It is important to remain empathetic to your loved one’s feelings and empower them to seek treatment.
How do I start a conversation around mental health?
Start by educating yourself about what mental health is so that you can then explain it to your loved one. Express what it is specifically that has you concerned about them in a nonjudgmental way. Actively listen to your loved one by making eye contact, nodding, not interrupting them, and practicing empathy.
Should I worry about my mental health as a family caregiver?
YES, taking care of a family member or loved one can be very rewarding but also very stressful. This puts the caregiver at an especially high risk for developing depression and anxiety which can lead to other physical health problems. If you are a family caregiver and worried about your mental health, seek help.
How can I engage in self-care as a family caregiver?
Make boundaries between you and your care receiver, taking time for yourself and your own needs, guided relaxation or meditation, go for a walk, engage with nature, join a support group, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and make time to stay connected with friends and family.
