HARRISBURG, Pa. — As excitement builds around the holiday season, mental health officials say so do the rates of mental illness, particularly among seniors.
For many, the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those unable to spend time with family. However, the Harrisburg community is stepping up to provide support and comfort to those in need.
Volunteers with the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region assembled holiday care packages for approximately 2,500 seniors. Major Stephanie Childs, who has firsthand experience working in a nursing home, highlighted the importance of family during the holidays.
“Growing up, we know that these holidays are a time to be with your family, and it’s hard when you’re not able to,” Childs said. “I was there during the holidays and so you could see those who did have their family come and regularly visit… they thrived more.”
A recent FAIR Health study revealed seniors aged 65 and older experienced the sharpest increase in mental health diagnoses between 2019 and 2023.
Clinical psychologist Melissa Brown said a leading factor is loneliness, noting that the isolation faced by seniors can arise from living far from loved ones or losing many friends and family members over time.
“We do see an increase in depression which impacts other medical conditions, such as dementia, Alzheimer's, heart disease those types of issues,” Brown explained.
Despite a new study ranking Pennsylvania 31st in the nation for senior mental health, Childs insists that more needs to be done, especially during this time of year.
“We’re made to be beings of togetherness, not to be by ourselves all the time,” she said, adding that it takes a community.
“I certainly can’t meet with 2,500 different residents but I can let them know that we’re thinking of them,” Childs stated.
For seniors experiencing mental health issues more information on support resources can be found here.