Helping Veterans in Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. – In today’s fast moving society, the mental health of veterans and senior citizens is not often discussed.
Last week, U.S. Representative Martha McSally, included an amendment that will ensure medical services funds for veterans. “Veteran suicides account for 18 percent of all suicides in America,” McSally said.
Veterans and senior citizens often live on their own and are limited when it comes to finding resources available to them if they are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Carol Brown, executive director of Helping hands of Yuma says that isolation often causes depression and can lead to suicidal thoughts for veterans and seniors.
Several warning signs of depression can include putting less concern on making doctors appointments, not taking necessary medication and even alluding to family members that they are needing to get their affairs in order.
Helping Hands is volunteer based , making house calls to veterans and seniors in the area to make sure they are staying safe in the heat of the summer months.
Brown hopes to reach locals from the ages of 70 – 99 years old through the services they provide such as transportation, community events, food and water for their care clients.
If you or a have a friend or family member that is a veteran or a senior citizen struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can contact Helping Hands at (928) 305 – 9974.
