• Untreated mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and PTSD can lead to more suffering, self-medication, and financial and relationship challenges, regardless of age.
• Depression is often mistaken for aging or increased frailty, and therefore not diagnosed. However, depression is a treatable medical condition and not a normal part of growing older. Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older | Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging | CDC 
• The impact of depression on health in older adults can be severe because it’s associated with worse physical health (health disease, diabetes, stroke). 
• 11% of veterans aged 65 years and older report suffering from depression, twice that of the senior population. Depression (va.gov)

Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. They may also experience:

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early--morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment | Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older | Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging | CDC

• You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for any outpatient mental health care (except psychoanalysis)
• You can get therapy and counseling from network or non-network providers
• If you need more than outpatient care, many options are available and covered
• If you use TRICARE For Life (TFL), Medicare is your primary insurance and TFL provides wrap around coverage to reduce out of pocket costs.  
• You only need a referral or authorization from TRICARE if your Medicare benefits are exhausted.
• You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for any TRICARE-covered office-based outpatient mental health service (except psychoanalysis). This means that if you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized network provider for mental health services like individual or family counseling or therapy. If you have TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you’ll lower out-of-pocket costs if you see a network provider. Learn more about TRICARE coverage at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth.
• If you have a primary care provider, make an appointment. You can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized network mental health provider, no matter what plan you use. If you need help finding a provider, use the Find a Doctor tool at www.tricare.mil/findadoctor or reach out to your TRICARE regional contractor.
• In the East Region, call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445
• In the West Region, call Health Net at 1-844-866-9378
• Overseas, call your country-specific toll-free number at www.tricare-overseas.com.
• If you prefer to speak with a mental health professional by audio or on video, your regional contractor has a network of providers who offer telehealth. Learn more at www.tricare.mil/coveredservices/isitcovered/telementalhealth.

• You can also seek help outside of your TRICARE benefit. Military OneSource is a Department of Defense program with a 24/7 call center (1-800-342-9647), website (www.militaryonesource.mil), and mobile app (My Military OneSource) that provides comprehensive information, resources, and assistance on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty service members and their families.  
• Veterans and their immediate family members can access Military OneSource up to 365 days post-separation or retirement. 
• Non-medical counseling is available in person, by telephone, via secure chat, and secure video sessions. Non-medical counselors provide a safe place to speak confidentially with a licensed mental health provider for up to 12 sessions, per issue, to address daily life issues.
• Military OneSource can also help connect you with a provider near you. This provider isn’t connected with TRICARE, and sessions will be free of charge. You may be able to get 12 free visits per issue.
• Visit www.militaryonesource.mil to learn more about eligibility and services, or call 1-800-342-9647, 24/7.

• The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) offers a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to veterans and their loved ones. Get started at Mental Health Home (va.gov).
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Dial 988 (option to press 1 for military crisis line)
• 24/7, free and confidential support