Telehealth and mental health: Maintaining emotional wellbeing as you age 

Signs of mental health problems in older adults

1. Ongoing sadness or depression: Feeling down now and then is part of life, but if someone feels persistently sad, hopeless, or loses interest in things they used to love, it might be a sign of depression. 
2. Pulling away from social life: Avoiding social situations or isolating oneself can indicate emotional trouble. If someone suddenly stops socialising, misses events, or disengages from hobbies they used to enjoy, it could lead to depression or anxiety.
3. Trouble focusing or memory issues: While some forgetfulness is normal with age, significant struggles with concentration, decision-making, or recalling simple things might suggest early signs of conditions like dementia, anxiety, or depression.
4. Changes in sleep habits: Sleeping problems, like difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or sleeping too much, can signal mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Good sleep is essential for emotional health.
5. Unexplained physical problems: Older adults might not always show their emotional struggles directly. Instead, they could talk about physical issues, such as ongoing headaches, stomach troubles, or unexplained aches. These physical signs might be linked to underlying depression or anxiety.
6. Increased irritability or mood changes: Frequent mood swings or irritability that feel excessive for a situation might also indicate mental health issues. These changes can be related to stress or depression, or even due to medication side effects.
7. Feelings of guilt or unworthiness: If an older adult starts to feel like a burden, expresses guilt about the past, or feels worthless, these feelings could indicate depression and should be taken seriously.
8. Relying more on alcohol or medications: Using substances can sometimes be a way to cope with emotional pain or stress. If an older adult starts depending more on alcohol, prescription drugs, or even over-the-counter medications to manage their feelings, this could be a red flag for a serious mental health concern.

What is a mental health treatment plan?

• Understanding symptoms and making a diagnosis. 
• Choosing treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), other therapies or medication. 
• Suggesting positive lifestyle changes like exercise and having a support system. 
• Regular check-ins to see how things are going and make adjustments if necessary. 
• Preparing for any mental health crises with safety strategies. 

Mental health care plan for seniors

1. Understanding care needs: This plan makes it easier to figure out what kind of care is needed and sets specific goals for treatment. 
2. Getting Medicare rebates: Seniors can use this plan to get up to 10 individual therapy sessions and 10 group sessions each year with a mental health professional, and they can receive Medicare rebates for these. 
3. Connecting with different professionals: It opens the door to various health professionals, like general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychiatric nurses. 
4. Support for rural areas: For seniors living far from services, telehealth consultations can provide a way to get mental health help without needing to travel. 

How telehealth helps in your mental health journey

Starting point:

Listening and understanding:

Connecting you with experts:

Accessing care through telehealth:

How to get a mental health care plan online?

Virtual consultations:

Medicare bulk billing:

Tailored mental health care plan:

Benefits:

1. Getting specialist support: When you receive a referral, you are linked to a mental health professional who has the skills to help with issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health struggles. 
2. Quick and effective help: A referral saves you from starting over. The psychologist is already familiar with your situation, which can lead to faster and more effective treatment, helping you avoid unnecessary time and stress. 
3. Well-rounded care: Having both your GP and a mental health expert involved means your overall care is better. Your GP can look after your physical health and any medications, while the psychologist can concentrate on your emotional and mental well-being. This teamwork helps cover all areas of your health. 
4. Continuous support: A referral means your journey doesn’t end after one session. It allows for ongoing therapy and follow-up, keeping your healthcare providers connected to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. 
5. Medicare help for continued sessions: With a referral, it's easier to get Medicare rebates for ongoing therapy. This means you can attend up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each year at a low cost, making it easier to keep up with your care.