The pandemic has only added to the stress of poor mental health for seniors in Door County. Door County Medical Center announced it was partnering with Senior Life Solutions last November as it developed a group therapy option for older residents struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety. They are certainly not alone when it comes to mental health concerns as nearly 20 percent of the adult population suffers some form of mental illness according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Senior Life Solutions Program Manager Shannon Kanter says there are reasons some older Americans may not ask for help addressing their mental health concerns.

Kanter adds that many seniors also do not associate some physical ailments with undiagnosed mental health issues. May is National Older Americans Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. You can listen to our full conversation with Kanter on our podcasts page.