Every stage of life brings its own mental health challenges. You pushed through your own toddler tantrums—and maybe your child’s, too. Then, you navigated the headwinds of adolescence and early adulthood. Now, here are a few changes to watch for as you age, plus tips from our Behavioral Health team that may help.

You may face stigma

In some cultures, people are taught that mental illness is a sign of weakness.¹ That stigma can be harmful. If you feel ashamed, you may be less likely to ask for support.

A tip from our team: It’s important to know that mental health challenges can be just as real—and difficult—as physical health challenges. Having open conversations with your care team and your loved ones can help you overcome that stigma. Prioritizing your needs over the opinions of others can also help.  

You may feel lonely

Isolation and loneliness are common experiences for older Americans, and certain life changes can make these feelings even stronger.² For instance, retirement gives you more free time to pursue activities you enjoy, but it can also leave you feeling unbalanced if your daily routine, responsibilities, and opportunities for social interaction shift suddenly. Other aspects of aging—such as the loss of a spouse, drifting apart from friends, or having children who are busier and require less day-to-day support—can also contribute to feelings of loneliness.

A tip from our team: Stay connected. Try spending time in a shared space (a senior center, coffee shop, library, or park), reaching out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or doing a small act of kindness for someone else.

You may be navigating physical health changes, too

Mental health and physical health are closely linked.² As we get older, changes in physical health become more common—for us and for the people we care about. Because our physical and mental health affect each other, a new diagnosis, new pain, or changes in mobility can also affect your mood, stress level, sleep, and motivation.

A tip from our team: Be kind to yourself and know when to ask for help. If you’re facing a challenging diagnosis, consider asking someone to come with you to an appointment or to help with daily tasks for a week or two.

These resources may help

Feeling sad, worried, or stressed doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mental health condition. But if you notice significant changes in your mood—or if your feelings last longer than two weeks—consider seeking professional help.³  

In any case, it’s good to know that your BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plan is here for you:

• Free fitness classes at Your Blue Store^SM 
  Every week, we offer dozens of free classes to members at our store locations in Cranston, East Providence, Lincoln, Narragansett, and Warwick. Many members who take our classes build friendships that extend beyond the stores. Plus, exercise can help your emotional well-being.⁴Sign up for a class.
• Coverage for mental health conditions 
  Treatment can make a tremendous difference in your mental health. To learn about the different options available, call BCBSRI at (401) 459-CARE or visit our mental health page. 
  
  If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, call or text 988 for quick access to counseling help.
• Chronic condition support 
  Living with a chronic condition, like diabetes or COPD, can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. We offer programs that can help you manage your conditions and feel more in control of your health. Their clinicians will work with you and your providers to get you on the path to a healthier life. Learn more here.  
• A resource for caregivers 
  Our website for caregivers has resources that can help make it a little easier. It includes information on protecting your well-being and the well-being of your loved one. Visit our caregiver site.