Seniors and mental health are rarely linked in today's society that has taken up the torch to help those battling mental illness but that is exactly what Logan County program is doing.

The Senior Life Solutions program through Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and program coordinator Bobby Leebold wants rural seniors to know they are there for them and want to help them.

The senior population is rarely connected to things like depression or anxiety and Leebold says those challenges are just part of aging for them. He emphasizes these are not normal nor are they OK.

Leebold indicates it can be hard to diagnose these mental illnesses in seniors as they will come in with health issues that can't be diagnosed. Just like other people in society, seniors turn to typical vices like drugs, alcohol and opioids. 

If seniors are not sure what they are experiencing may be depression or anxiety or some sort of mental illness, Leebold implores them to contact their primary care physician first.

Leebold says the program, which launched in March, has gotten a great response so far. To learn more you can visit almh.org or call 217-605-5750.