According to recent research, around 16% of seniors might avoid seeking help for a mental health issue because of shame or embarrassment. This is a problem that needs addressing because overlooked mental health issues, including cognitive decline, can impact a senior's well-being.
For those living in the retirement-friendly city of Houston, TX, ongoing mental health problems could mean missing out on the rich and exciting retirement lifestyle on offer in this part of the world. In this article, we'll suggest practical steps for tackling mental health stigma.
Each generation brings to society different ways of thinking and different attitudes to issues. That's also true of mental health.
Public health campaigns and more advanced research have helped change the way younger generations view mental health. The younger generation tends to be open and upfront about mental health struggles and sees it as relatively normal and something that demands support.
However, the same is not necessarily true for seniors, who may frame mental health problems as a personal weakness or something to feel embarrassed by. This attitude is reinforced from past decades, when mental health was dealt with either through silence or a pull-yourself-together approach.
One of the reasons mental health conditions are sometimes stigmatized is because people make assumptions about the symptoms, and dismiss signs as other normal features of everyday ups and downs, which means mental health decline in seniors can sometimes slip under the radar.
Depression may manifest in a number of ways in seniors aside from more typical symptoms of deep sadness, including:
Cognitive decline is another mental health condition that can often be overlooked. You may dismiss symptoms such as:
This is why it's crucial that seniors use proper screening tools that can help differentiate between normal feelings and symptoms of mental health conditions. The latter needs proper treatment, and early diagnosis is crucial.
Stigma can stop a senior from getting help for their mental health symptoms. They may worry about being labeled as "crazy" or a "burden" and seek to minimize their outward symptoms and hide their distress from loved ones and during clinical appointments.
In addition, loved ones can sometimes dismiss symptoms in a senior relative as examples of "senior moments" rather than recognizing them as a sign of something more serious, ultimately allowing unchecked symptoms to worsen.
These are all examples of trying to hide or dismiss the issue, which is why speaking openly about mental health struggles is an essential antidote to stigma.
As a family member, mental health stigma can create an issue in supporting your loved one.
You may find that you've noticed mental health symptoms, but that your loved one brushes this off and denies their significance. This can ultimately leave loved ones with more responsibility.
They may find themselves naturally wanting to step in and help with more daily tasks because they can see their loved one isn't coping, but without seeking help for any underlying mental health cause.
All this can put a caregiver at risk of burnout. It's important to talk to your loved one about professional support, even if it's as simple as a quick chat with a clinician, if they are still firmly in denial about a mental health condition.
One of the reasons an initial chat with a primary care physician can be so valuable is that they will understand stigma and have experience in how to reduce it with a patient.
They benefit from having a trusted relationship with a senior that puts them in the perfect position to start a conversation about mood changes or emotional struggles alongside general checks like blood pressure.
Once that conversation occurs, a physician can direct a senior to more specialized mental health support in Houston, which may include care plans to help the senior manage their mental health. When elders receive a caring, compassionate approach to mental health challenges, it's one of the best ways to break down barriers from stigma.
Talking about mental health is crucial, and you can create safe spaces to enable this to happen and to ditch the stigma.
First, consider creating a communal space dedicated to wellness and conversation.Having a space where a senior can sit, relax, and chat with friends about their mental health is an excellent starting point.
If you are searching for a senior living community that prioritizes wellness, that's one feature to look for.
You'll also want to speak with the staff to ensure they nurture a caring, listening, and safe environment. For example, you could create a "tea and talk" afternoon and invite residents to sit and chat, with staff facilitating the session.
One of the ways of reducing stigma about mental health is to take an active approach to mental wellness. You can achieve this by participating in mind-body activities that help you mentally focus and calm any racing thoughts. Effective mental wellness activities include:
Group activities that encourage conversation can be great for breaking down barriers to mental health. They create a more natural environment for people to share their thoughts and feelings without worrying about the mental health label.
The world is changing, and mental health challenges are now more accepted. Yet mental health stigma still pervades some groups, including seniors. It's vital to counter this with extra support.
Living in a caring senior community can be a practical and effective way to manage your mental and physical wellness in your old age.
At Copperfield Estates Senior Living, we've designed a space that will help you thrive, a newly renovated, pet-friendly community with a range of on-site wellness programs. Find out more by booking a tour with us and discovering more about Copperfield Estates' resources.