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Mental health

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Growing older can give women a sense of freedom and increased happiness. With the children grown and the daily grind finished, you may feel more in control of your life than ever before.

However, the loss of loved ones, the isolation of living alone, or personal illness may take an emotional toll. Research continues to show a strong link between the body and the mind. That means that staying healthy requires paying attention to both. Read on to learn more about mental health.

If you are suicidal, or afraid you may become suicidal, seek help immediately.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
It's toll-free and available 24 hours a day, every day. Or call 911 or go to the emergency room — suicidal thoughts are an emergency.

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More information on Mental health

Explore other publications and websites

  • Healthy Aging: Keeping Mentally Fit as You Age (Copyright © Geriatric Mental Health Foundation) - This publication gives tips on how to keep your body and your mind healthy as you age.
    http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/factsheets/hlthage_mental.html
  • Mental Health: What's Normal, What's Not (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - Deciding what normal mental health is and what's not is tricky. See how feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as culture and society, determine what's normal and what's not.
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-health/MH00042
  • Mental Illness: What a Difference a Friend Makes - This site is for people with mental illness and their friends. You'll find tools to help in the recovery process, learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and watch a video to see how friends can make all the difference.
    http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/
  • Mental Treatment and Therapy Guide - This publication discusses the warning signs that a person needs professional help for mental health problems, what to do in emergency situations, and different forms of treatment for mental illness. It also describes the different types of mental health professionals and what they do.
    http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/cmh94-5001/treatment.asp

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Content last updated August 12, 2010.

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