Why Is There a Stigma Around Mental Health in Aging Adults?
In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the local hospital has recently listed mental health as its top priority, partly due to rates as high as 20% of the population experiencing mental health conditions.
Handling mental health is never easy, and can be even more complicated for people who hold stigmas about it. So why is there a stigma around mental health, and what impact does this have on seniors? We'll use this article to explore the subject and what you can do if you are worried about a loved one.
Mental Health Stigma: What It Means
Mental health stigma is about having negative and dated attitudes about mental illness. A stigma means people see mental health as something that should cause silence, shame, or embarrassment.
Mental health stigma can be stronger among the senior population, and this generation is most likely to see it as a personal failure.Older adults may even hide their experience of depression or anxiety from loved ones.
The stigma of mental health can be detrimental to anyone suffering from a condition, especially when it makes them reluctant to get help.
Why Is There a Stigma Around Mental Health?
With mental health and aging adults, there is a stigma that comes from a time when these conditions were not well known, researched, or treated.
Cultural attitudes were much different from what they are today. People could become socially rejected for a mental illness and were often expected to handle it rather than seek professional support.
That's why there tends to be a generational divide. Older adults are more likely to see a mental health condition as embarrassing, whereas younger people are more open and honest about the condition and how it impacts them.
Aging adults may also dismiss mental health as a regular part of aging or an untreatable condition. They might assume that therapy isn't effective as a treatment for those in the later phase of their life.
The Impact of Mental Health Stigma on Seniors
If an aging adult feels stigma around mental health, it can have a detrimental impact on their illness and make it harder to get well.
Older adults who are afraid to talk about mental health may suffer in silence. They may take it upon themselves to deal with the condition by hiding it from the world, which means trying to downplay symptoms or avoiding social situations.
Lack of awareness about modern treatment options for mental health may also lead seniors to take an ineffective DIY approach to therapy. They may attempt to resolve the situation by ignoring it or addressing the symptoms rather than the root cause.
For example, they may ask for sleeping tablets to deal with insomnia rather than seeking help for the anxiety or depression that's causing the sleepless nights in the first place.
When seniors don't get help for a mental health condition, symptoms can worsen and, in some cases, manifest as physical problems like fatigue and aching bodies. Those types of symptoms leave seniors exhausted and even less likely to speak out about their concerns, compounding the problem.
Recognizing the Early Symptoms of Mental Health Struggles
If you are concerned about a loved one's well-being, it's essential to remember that they may not be open with you about what's happening and how they are feeling. In the absence of information, you'll need to look for early warning signs of mental health conditions, such as:
- Changes to sleep patterns or insomnia
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Lack of interest in usual hobbies and routines
- Irritable or angry
- Forgetful or confused
- Physical aches and pains
- Fatigue
The key factor to consider is whether these symptoms seem like a one-off on a bad day or part of a persistent change in moods and behaviors.Don't assume that these are typical signs of aging. Your loved one could be suffering in silence with their mental health.
Senior Behavioral Health: Why Conversations Are Crucial
If you spot signs of mental health symptoms in your loved one, your first step is to speak to them. That might be difficult, since they are likely to be reluctant to talk about it or dismissive of the symptoms.
Approach the conversation by choosing a space and a time that feels safe to your loved one. Perhaps that's during a favorite pastime, such as playing golf or dining at a favorite restaurant. When broaching the conversation, speak about your observations without judgment or labeling the symptoms.
Instead, explain why you are concerned and that you are offering practical help and emotional support. Encourage them to talk and listen without interruption.
Emotional Wellness for Seniors: The Role of Communities
One of the main risks with an aging loved one is that they become more isolated at a time in their life when they need more help. This often puts pressure on adult children to step in and provide some daily support.
Dealing with mental health conditions can make this setup more complicated to manage.
Senior living communities could be the best option if you are concerned about mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or dementia.It will provide your loved one with ongoing, daily support from care providers who can spot symptoms early and be there to offer help.
Senior living communities like Lakehouse Fond du Lac also offer regular social activities, alongside programs that support wellness awareness. Both of these can protect seniors from developing mental health conditions.
Stigma in Senior Care: Getting the Right Support
So why is there a stigma around mental health for some seniors? The answer is that these stigmas are rooted in generational divides, with seniors holding on to beliefs that mental health comes with shame. Helping your loved one begins with breaking down these attitudes.
A senior living community that prioritizes wellness is also one of the best ways to protect your loved one's mental health. At Lakehouse Fond du Lac, we offer individual care plans, fitness programs, and social activities, helping all our seniors take a proactive approach to their health. Book a tour today to find out more.