ETHAN meeting discusses seniors' mental health

Mental Health is the topic for the ETHAN (East Texas Health Access Network) public meeting tomorrow, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. in the Robert Hall administration building behind Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital.

Nita Rhame, RN, with the Diamond Healthcare program for senior adults will be guest speaker.

"Most people think metal health problems are just a normal part of aging, but they are not," said Irma Dowden, community health worker. "Seniors should be able to grow, thrive and enjoy life to the fullest."

More than 20 percent of adults over age 65 have significant symptoms of depression, according to Dowden, but only one fourth of them get medical attention.

"It is tremendously important that the public know that mental health issues such as depression are a medical problem and medical attention should be sought," Dowden said.