If you feel that you are struggling with recurring paranoia, you don’t have to struggle alone. You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a professional about panic attacks and get help with mental health resources.
If you are or know an older adult living with symptoms of paranoia, it’s time to seek professional help. Paranoia hotlines are standing by to help you 24-7.
According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 5% of older adults are living with some form of mental illness. Roughly 20% of those are diagnosed with schizophrenia or some form of paranoia. The symptoms of these conditions range from mild and manageable to chronic and severe, with variable success from medication as a treatment option.
Sometimes these conditions trigger serious episodes when a crisis intervention is needed. Paranoia hotlines can be a critical link in helping seniors stay safe and get the treatment they need. If you’re an older adult who needs help with a mental health issue, consider calling a hotline for paranoia to speak with an experienced professional.
Understanding the Unique Needs of the Senior Community
Seniors have special mental health needs. Mental health issues among seniors frequently occur alongside secondary conditions, which create unique challenges of their own and often call for specialist treatment. Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety and paranoia are part of a larger picture, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which also create special challenges for management and effective treatment. Senior-specific resources, including a crisis line for paranoia, have a special focus on the needs of older adults to better address the issues seniors are especially likely to need help with.
National Resources
National Mental Health Hotline
The National Mental Health Hotline is a 24-7 source for support, advice and helpful referrals to local care resources. If you’re a senior with a mental health crisis or experiencing the symptoms of an episode of paranoia, you can call the national hotline anytime day or night to speak to a professional. Call takers can answer many of the most common questions you’re likely to have, and they can direct you to local assistance to get the help you need. (888) 903-3787
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is for people of all ages who are going through an acute mental health crisis and need help right away. It’s also open to people whose needs are less severe, including seniors with schizophrenia, undiagnosed mental health conditions and the symptoms of paranoia, anxiety and depression. When you call the hotline, you’re connected with a trained crisis counselor who can help you through a difficult time with calm, reassuring human contact and helpful local resources to connect you with treatment options. Calls can be anonymous, but giving your location helps the counselor locate resources close to you. This is a 24-7 resource that’s available at no cost to you. (800) 273-TALK (8255)
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers free, confidential peer support for people who are dealing with a mental health condition, including paranoia, or who have a loved one who needs help. This isn’t a crisis line, but NAMI’s national call center does stay open during extended hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seniors in crisis can also get 24-7 service through text, which connects them to a trained crisis counselor. When you reach a NAMI volunteer, they’re able to offer advice, resource referrals and the comfort of speaking to a person who knows what you’re going through. Anybody with a mental health concern can call NAMI, including seniors, caregivers, family members and members of the public. Call: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) Text: NAMI to 741-741 Email: info@nami.org
Help for Seniors
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline helps seniors who are going through acute mental health crises, as well as family members concerned about their senior loved ones’ distress, with crisis intervention and referrals to local care resources. If you or a loved one needs support for paranoia, suicidal thoughts or other mental health problems, help is available 24-7. You can also visit the hotline’s website at 988lifeline.org for information and live chat. Call or Text: 988 Chat: 988lifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line
Nearly 42% of American men aged 75 and over are veterans, and the Veterans Crisis Line exists to help them and their eligible spouses and dependents get through mental health crises. This mental health helpline connects with caring, qualified responders working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and can help you find local VA resources and manage a crisis if needed. Call: 988, then press 1 Text: 838255 Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
Getting Professional Help From a Paranoia Hotline
If you’re a senior dealing with paranoia or you know an older adult who could use the help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Mental Health Hotline‘s paranoia hotline right away. We can help you find resources in your area to help you through a crisis, and your call is always free and confidential. We’re here 24-7, and we’re waiting to help you when you need it.