Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health: A Guide for Seniors
According to research gathered by Huntington Psychological Services, approximately 15-20% of adults aged 60 and older have a mental or neurological disorder.
Only around 45% of those who need mental health care receive it. One of the primary reasons they don't is the stigma against it.
Seeking treatment for a broken leg is seen as normal. Seeking help for depression is often seen as weakness or laziness.
Gainesville, FL, is a college town with an active arts scene and beautiful outdoor recreation spots. Enjoying it improves your mood but isn't the same as treatment.
Breaking the stigma of mental health for aging adults gets easier with the tips in our guide.
Common Senior Mental Health Issues
Physical changes often accompany mental changes. Seniors may lose loved ones or experience a decline in physical strength. This may lead to anxiety and depression.
According to America's Health Rankings, approximately 14.7% of adults 65 and older have depression. Symptoms may include:
- Sad or empty feelings
- Losing interest in favorite activities
- Weight loss or gain
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Lack of energy
- Mood swings
The Stigma Around Aging and Mental Health
One of the most difficult parts of breaking the stigma of mental health is that it exists on several levels. There's societal stigma against treatment that leads to personal shame.
These issues are compounded by ageism. Combating the culture and going for mental health treatment is difficult enough for the young. It becomes even more difficult for seniors because of the harmful beliefs held about them.
Societal
There's a societal stigma, especially in individualistic cultures such as the United States. There's an unsaid but clear expectation to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and keep going, no matter what.
Even laws can make it difficult to find care. Seniors in rural communities may not have anywhere to go to seek help.
This fear prevents many struggling with mental health from seeking care. They worry others will judge them or think they're weak.
Personal
There's also a personal mental health stigma. What happens when you know you're experiencing a mental health issue but are told to suck it up?
It makes it difficult to open up about your issues. You instead begin to develop feelings of shame and guilt.
Ageism
The stigma surrounding aging and mental health can be even worse because it's combined with ageism.
The idea that all seniors will experience mental health issues as they age is a stereotype, with many aging adults living fulfilling, mentally healthy lives.
Seniors also came from a generation before there was much effort towards breaking the stigma around mental health. Seniors may have internalized societal beliefs that treatment is not necessary because they've heard them for so long.
How Stigma Impacts Mental Health
Stigmatization makes those who struggle with mental health issues less likely to seek care. They may begin to isolate themselves and develop feelings of shame and guilt.
This can make symptoms of mental health issues worse. It can even lead to the development of new ones.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
Reducing stigma in aging populations with mental health issues helps everyone. It increases access to care and reduces feelings of shame or guilt.
Proper education is key. Put your voice in the mix through open conversations and social connections. Start wherever you are, including when you're in independent living in Gainesville.
Education
Education is one of the most effective methods of breaking the stigma of mental health. Stigma arises from lies and misinformation that create stereotypes.
Sharing accurate facts dispels misinformation. This includes knowledge about:
- What mental health conditions actually mean
- The symptoms they cause
- Treatment options
This information is essential for everyone, not just seniors. They should also spread it to their family members and caregivers. It's also important for all residents of senior living in Gainesville to learn.
Open Conversation
Mental health can be a difficult topic to discuss, but it's essential if any progress is going to be made. Seniors should discuss this openly with those they trust.
An open dialogue is a way to inform them about what you're experiencing. Getting the emotions out in the open also helps you move on from them.
Seniors, as well as family and friends, should avoid stigmatizing language. Don't use words such as "crazy" or say that it's "all in your head." Find more supportive ways to talk about it.
Social Connection
According to a review of six years of data from the National Poll on Aging, over one-third of seniors report feeling lonely or isolated. This only worsens or can even cause mental health conditions.
Social connection is an essential part of emotional wellness for seniors. It prevents loneliness and strengthens bonds.
Engage regularly with family and friends to bolster emotional wellness. Join groups centered around hobbies you enjoy. Participate in community-wide social activities and events in your senior living community.
Joining support groups with the same mental health struggles helps reduce personal stigma. You no longer feel like the only one in the world who feels a certain way.
It also works the other way around for reducing stigma in the general population. Have visitors over to see you while you're in senior living in Gainesville, Florida.
Professional Support
If necessary, consider seeking mental health support in Gainesville.
While therapy and medication may be stigmatized, evidence shows that they are often effective in treating mental health conditions.
Dispelling myths about professional treatment is one of the most important parts of increasing senior mental health awareness. Providing accurate information is crucial for expanding seniors' understanding and acceptance of mental health resources.
They won't change your personality or make your symptoms worse. In many cases, they can be your lifeline.
Find a Gainesville Senior Living Community Today
Breaking the stigma of mental health is difficult for any group. Additionally, seniors face the issue of ageism.
You can find care to improve your mental wellness. It requires steps such as proper education and regular social interaction.
The Atrium at Gainesville offers independent living in Gainesville, FL. We offer an ever-changing menu and calendar of activities so that no day is ever the same.
The Atrium at Gainesville resources include a blog and a podcast. View them for more information. Schedule a tour to find a home in our community today.