According to a study published last year by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services), one in eight older Americans has a mental health condition. What is most worrying is that this age group is most likely to stigmatize the condition.
Avoiding the warning signs of mental health can interrupt what should be an enjoyable and relaxed retirement in Burlington, Iowa. It can leave seniors feeling isolated with worsening symptoms. So how does stigma affect mental health? Here's what you need to know.
For some people, mental health comes with a stigma, a set of negative and false beliefs about these conditions and what they mean. Stigmas are more prevalent in the older generation who grew up in a time when mental health wasn't well researched or treated.
Seniors who stigmatize mental health might dismiss it, or feel embarrassed or ashamed if they are suffering from a condition like depression or anxiety. These are often deeply rooted beliefs that have been internalized over many decades.
When a senior feels stigma over mental health, they often stay silent and are reluctant to seek professional help.
In any casual conversation with a younger crowd, you'll find people can be surprisingly open about mental health challenges. Yet that is a relatively new phenomenon.
Today's seniors grew up in a time when emotions and mental health weren't openly discussed, and treatment was rare. Mental health was often viewed as something that didn't warrant attention, and it wasn't considered with the same priority as physical health conditions.
For some, that meant struggling on with their emotions, rather than talking about them or asking for support. Despite better treatment and improved attitudes, some seniors will still avoid broaching the subject of mental health, even with those closest to them.
In the absence of openness about emotional struggles, you may wonder how to help a loved one who you suspect is suffering from a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline.
That's why it's necessary to know the early symptoms beyond the most well-known signs like deep depression. Here are some of the symptoms to watch:
You might have noticed that many of these symptoms are ones you could associate with aging. It's why diagnosis is crucial. Don't assume that your loved one's behavior has changed because they are getting older, as what you are witnessing could be the early stages of a mental health condition.
When a senior refuses to seek help for a mental health condition, either through embarrassment or denial, it can sometimes lead to a worsening of symptoms.
Seniors who downplay mental health may do their best to hide the symptoms, but that can sometimes mean changing behaviors, such as avoiding social settings so that friends and family don't notice low moods.
Avoiding a diagnosis from a medical practitioner also means "going it alone" with tackling the condition, which rarely works, especially if symptoms become more pronounced.
In certain circumstances, symptoms can worsen to the point where they lead to physical health issues. For example, a lack of sleep due to anxiety could lead to confusion and exhaustion.
Sometimes, one of the best ways to support a loved one with a mental health challenge is to encourage them to take part in social activities. Connecting with peers can help alleviate some of the symptoms, such as the tendency to ruminate over worries or negative thoughts.
Social settings can also feel like a safe space for older adults, especially when they occur inside a senior living community. During a relaxed arts and crafts workshop, a resident might feel more at ease and comfortable sharing their feelings, even if they can't extend that to complete openness about mental health struggles.
These brief conversations can sometimes shed light on the issue. In the case where they speak to a peer who is more open about a problem, these chats can help people discover that mental health problems are more common than they realized.
Directly asking a loved one whether or not they have a mental health problem is likely to be met with denial, irritability, or anger. If you suspect an issue, you will need to take a more subtle approach.
Begin by identifying the ideal opportunity to discuss the subject. Find a relaxing activity that your loved one enjoys, such as a meal or a walk in nature. When raising the subject, take a non-judgmental stance. Explain what you have noticed, without placing labels or opinions on those comments.
Show that you can listen to what your loved one has to say without trying to solve the problem. However, make it clear that you are there to support them in any way you can.
If your loved one is in a senior living community, or they are thinking of moving to one, make sure staff are aware of any concerns you have about their mental health.
Additionally, check in with them to determine if they have observed any behavior that has raised concerns. If the issue seems serious and requires more structured or professional support, ask staff to recommend a local counselor or group therapy session.
Offer to help your loved one plan their day to ensure there is lots of social interaction. A day spent on activities like yoga or gardening might provide some welcome therapy.
So, how does stigma affect mental health in seniors? In short, it can slow down treatment and potentially worsen the symptoms.
Being part of a caring and supportive community is the first step to looking after your health in your later years.
Tour Addington Place of Burlington to discover how we can care for your loved one. With fun group activities, beautiful private apartments, and experienced staff, it has the perfect balance between an active retirement lifestyle and a helping hand when you need it.