U.S. News & World Report (10/11) reports many older adults struggle to receive mental healthcare services because of factors such as being “hindered by modern culture perpetuating the stigmas and misconceptions of ageism and mental health issues; social isolation; high health care costs; and a dwindling supply of geriatric caregivers for America’s growing older population.” The article says HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Health Resources and Services Administration are working to expand access to mental healthcare at the primary care setting.

Related Links:

— “A Look Into Older Adults’ State of Mind,” Katelyn Newman, U.S. News & World Report, October 11, 2017.

The New York Times (10/11, Denizet-Lewis, Subscription Publication) examines severe anxiety among teens in a 7,600-word article. The piece profiles teens who have struggled with severe anxiety and their treatment, such as medications, hospitalizations, and residential treatment facilities. The article mentions that “anxiety is the most common mental-health disorder in the United States, affecting nearly one-third of both adolescents and adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.” The piece also discusses current research and studies on anxiety.

Related Links:

— “Why Are More American Teenagers Than Ever Suffering From Severe Anxiety?,” BENOIT DENIZET-LEWIS, New York Times, October 11, 2017.

USA Today (10/10, May, Rossman) reports, “World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, is a day to combat the stigma that mental health struggles aren’t real.”

Healio (10/10) reports that World Mental Health Day was observed on Oct. 10. In 2015, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “an estimated 43.4 million adults aged 18 or older in the US experienced any mental illness within the past year.” What’s more, “serious mental illness occurred among an estimated 9.8 million adults in the US in 2015, representing 4% of all US adults.”

Related Links:

— “World Mental Health Day: People who got real about mental health,” Ashley May and Sean Rossman, USA Today, October 10, 2017.

Reuters (10/6, Crist) reports that children in elementary school, particularly those between ages eight and 10 “with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial anomalies may struggle more than older kids with anger, anxiety, depression and stress,” researchers found after surveying “99 patients at the UCLA Craniofacial Clinic ranging in age from 8 to 17 years.” The findings were published online Oct. 1 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Related Links:

— “Anxiety, depression greatest in younger kids with facial birth defects,” Carolyn Crist, Reuters, October 6, 2017.

Reuters (10/6, Rapaport) reported, “Most law enforcement agencies and many gun retailers may be willing to temporarily store firearms to help prevent suicide,” researchers concluded after surveying “448 law enforcement agencies and 95 gun retailers in eight states.” The findings were published online Sept. 21 in the American Journal of Public Health.

Related Links:

— “Some police and retailers may store guns to help prevent suicide,” Lisa Rapaport, Reuters, October 6, 2017.