Aging Minds Matter: Breaking the Silence Around Senior Mental Health

In this episode of Navigating Mental Health North Carolina, we focus on an often-overlooked topic — mental health in older adults. Aging can bring wisdom and perspective, but it can also come with challenges. Join us as we talk with local expert, Dr. Bryan Smith about the warning signs of depression and anxiety in seniors, explore how families and caregivers can provide meaningful support, and highlight the vital role that community connection and access to care play in promoting well-being later in life. Bryan Smith, MD  Dr. Bryan Smith is the Clinical Director of the Geriatric Services Unit at Central Regional Hospital where he supervises a multidisciplinary team of Psychiatrists, medical providers, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Psychiatry resident trainees. Central Regional Hospital is the flagship state psychiatric hospital in Butner, North Carolina, where patients are treated for a wide variety of mental health and neurocognitive disorders. Central Regional Hospital is part of the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities, NC Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Smith also holds appointments as adjunct assistant Professor at both UNC and Duke Departments of Psychiatry.    His experience includes working as a Psychiatrist for nearly 15 years in a variety of settings, including state hospital, academia, private hospitals, Veteran’s Health Administration, and managed care.    Dr. Smith completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his medical degree and residency training at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Baptist Hospital and completed geriatric psychiatry fellowship training at Duke University. Welcome to Navigating Mental Health North Carolina, a podcast rooted right here in North Carolina—created for our communities, by one of our own.  Join Meghan Kolb - TV Host and lifestyle influencer, each month for impactful conversations, tips, and real-life stories from inspiring guests. Subscribe now and join the conversation that’s changing lives, one neighbor at a time.