How to Cope With Isolation and Improve Mental Health

Many older adults struggle with loneliness as their living circumstances change. Agewell Medical Associates, PC, provides this guide to help patients understand the issues that may arise. Read the questions below to learn more about coping with mental health in Colorado Springs. This page covers resources and suggestions that are available to you in Colorado Springs. It also includes information on how to speak to a physician in this community.

Resource: theseniorsource.org

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Understanding Isolation in Older Adults

Common Causes of Isolation

Mobility issues, retirement, or the death of a spouse frequently contribute to social isolation in older people. The climate in Colorado Springs and the difficulty of driving can lead to elders in our area feeling isolated from their support networks. Many family members move to another area for job opportunities, and older people lose the support of their relatives with whom they lived. Physical ailments can also lead older adults to stay home rather than go out to interact with other people.

Resource: nia.nih.gov

How Does Social Isolation Affect Mental Health

Older adults who feel very lonely for long periods of time have a higher incidence of anxiety and depression. They can have changes in sleep habits and appetite. It is not uncommon for older people to experience accelerated cognitive decline due to the lack of social engagement. Often, people who lack socialization feel worthless and sad.

Does Isolation Affect Older People Differently Across Colorado Springs?

Older people living in rural areas outside El Paso County often have to travel long distances by car to attend events. People who live in Colorado Springs may feel isolated even though they are living relatively close to friends, neighbors, and other businesses. Older citizens have to rely on public transportation for much of their travel, and rural areas are not adequately served by public transit. Older adults residing in either location require strategies to connect with other members of their community.

Mental Health Services in Colorado Springs

Are There Options for Mental Health?

Colorado Springs is home to a range of mental health professionals, including psychiatric centers, outpatient mental health centers, and mental health centers that serve older people. There are local mental health resources, such as Agewell Medical Associates, that offer behavioral health programs.

Low-Cost Counseling Resources

The local health department and some organizations offer low-cost programs and therapy. Several agencies will adjust the fee based on your income. Nonprofit faith-based organizations often provide counseling at no cost to church members. Some university psychology programs have supervised student interns available to provide counseling to people in the area.

Locating Mental Health Support Group

Local centers have regular group meetings for people struggling with grief and loneliness. Ask your doctor for a list of support group locations. Many local library branches display community bulletin board announcements regarding mental health support groups. City-run websites maintain current listings for various support group schedules.

Hotlines or Support Groups for Immediate Help

Colorado Crisis Services operates 24 hours a day to provide telephone support to anyone in crisis. Local healthcare facilities provide emergency services to address acute psychiatric crises. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible to anyone in the United States, including local residents. Staffed professionals are on hand to provide immediate support and assistance.

Social Connections

How Can I Meet New People in Colorado Springs?

Centers serve as safe spaces for older adults to socialize and form friendships. Group fitness classes are available to elders at local recreation facilities. Older adults volunteering at local food banks or animal shelters may also make new friends. Older adults who join a neighborhood association will be more likely to know and meet people in their immediate vicinity.

Community Events or Activities to Help Reduce Isolation

Outdoor concerts held in parks during the summer often take place in community spaces open to the public. Downtown Colorado Springs hosts weekly local farmers’ markets, offering opportunities for social interaction in informal settings. The Pioneers Museum offers public lectures and guided tours for people who wish to learn more about local history. Local public libraries frequently host social activities, such as book clubs and creative groups.

Any Classes or Volunteer Opportunities?

Garden clubs are common among the older adult community in Colorado Springs. Local educational institutions often offer continuing education courses specifically geared toward older citizens. Nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and local hospitals, rely on older adult volunteers. Card games and knitting circles are frequently held at the local centers and recreation facilities.

Coping Strategies and Self-Care

Ways to Practice Self-Care During Isolation

• Following a strict schedule
• Participating in pastimes, such as reading, gardening, and painting
• Making telephone or video calls to family far away
• Eating healthily and drinking water

How Do I Make a Daily Routine for My Mental Health?

• Wake up and go to sleep around the same time every day
• Schedule time during the day for meals, physical activity, and fun
• Create a list of things to do during each day
• Taking a short walk daily

Mindfulness or Meditation Classes

Several yoga studios in Colorado Springs offer classes for gentle movement and breathing. There are often free introductory meditation sessions taught at community centers. Seminars regarding stress management are frequently held at local health clinics. Some instructors specifically teach relaxation techniques.

When to Seek Professional Help

You may want to seek professional help for your mental health if you have been feeling sad for over two weeks, notice a significant change in how much you sleep, experience weight loss, have thoughts of self-harming or killing yourself, or no longer enjoy things you used to.

Is Telehealth Available for Mental Health Services?

Many psychiatrists in the area will see established patients via video call. Generally, Medicare covers telehealth appointments for mental health. Telehealth lets you avoid driving in bad weather or having to find someone to drive you. Agewell Medical Associates can help set up your referral to a counseling service.

Mental Health Awareness and Education

Mental Health Education Programs

The Colorado Springs chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness may offer classes and workshops. Agewell Medical Associates usually has some brochures or reading materials about the subject in the waiting room. Local hospitals offer free public workshops about depressive symptoms and memory. Centers often have guest speakers on emotional health topics.

How Can I Educate Myself or Others About This Topic?

Books written by psychologists will give you good information. Websites from reputable doctors like the Mayo Clinic will give you an idea of the symptoms. Go to a local support group and learn how others cope with the same problem. Sharing factual articles with friends helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Final Thoughts

Coping with isolation can feel difficult, but support is available. Staying connected through community activities, time outdoors, healthy routines, and professional care can make a meaningful difference in your emotional well-being and quality of life. Small steps, such as making one phone call, joining one local group, or speaking with your doctor, can help you feel more supported and less alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with isolation, sadness, or mood changes, contact Agewell Medical Associates, PC.