According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in five seniors over the age of 60 has a mental health condition. Yet, for some of the older population, mental health remains a taboo subject.
In the beautiful surroundings of Costa Mesa, CA, retirement should be a joy; however, overlooked mental health issues can prevent seniors from living life to the fullest. So how does stigma affect mental health? In this guide, we'll delve into some of the reasons.
Older generations often have a different attitude to mental health compared to younger generations.
While Millennials and Gen Z might talk openly about a mental health diagnosis, older people are more likely to shy away from talking about mental health. For some, mental health is viewed with embarrassment, shame, or outright dismissal, beliefs often deeply rooted in a time when these conditions weren't taken seriously.
Others may see it as a sign of weakness and view any symptoms as a sign that they need to be stronger, brushing off any negative feelings. The risk of stigmatizing mental health is that seniors don't reach out for the help they need.
Shame and embarrassment about a mental health symptom can mean a senior doesn't reach out for help.
When mental health issues go unnoticed, they can lead to more serious consequences for adults, including more severe emotional turmoil, a decline in physical health, and social isolation.
When a condition like depression makes someone withdraw from society, their health can begin to decline, and they miss out on vital support or connections with the outside world.
It can also become something of a negative spiral, where worsening symptoms lead to further isolation and more reluctance to talk to others about the problem. These risks are why identifying mental health issues and shaking off any stigma is crucial for seniors and their loved ones.
It's vital that seniors get help with a mental health condition, and avoidance of the topic can make this more complicated. Therefore, if you are a concerned family member, it's essential to watch for signs.
Some early signs of depression are common in this age group, and it's easy to brush them off as part of the normal aging process. These symptoms include:
Watch for these signs and note whether they persist. Many of us go through phases where we don't sleep well or feel more tired than usual. Still, it's the persistent patterns that often serve as warning signs of an underlying cause.
One of the reasons stigma can be a worry is that there is a strong link between mental and physical health. Leaving mental health symptoms unaddressed, especially in this age group, can leave a senior more vulnerable to physical problems.
Depression, for example, can worsen sleep and appetite, and lead to reduced activity levels. This can have a profound effect on an aging adult, leaving their body more fatigued and prone to injury.
Appetite and dietary changes can raise the risk of associated conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Social isolation can also lead seniors to neglect their routines, including critical aspects such as personal care and medication management.
This highlights the importance of seeing mental health more holistically. Overall wellness, which supports both mind and body, is crucial for living a healthy, long life in retirement.
One of the most important steps to break the stigma of mental health is to encourage talking. It can open the door to healing.
Seniors will feel more comfortable when spaces feel safe and judgment-free, so keep this in mind if you want to broach the subject of mental health with an aging relative.
Getting into the habit of talking about feelings can help normalize mental health and reduce the shame, especially when it's in a group setting. It allows seniors to see that they are not alone with their experiences, and that mental health is something that deserves to be treated with compassion, not shame.
Being part of a community is great for combating isolation, which means it can also be a significant way of reducing the stigma of mental health challenges. A senior living community is a supportive and safe sanctuary where older adults can connect with peers and talk through their worries, feelings, or some of the challenges they face.
In addition, living in a community gives you access to on-site activities, which include many wellness programs that can support positive mental health, such as:
This focus on well-being is crucial. It serves as a reminder to seniors that they deserve to feel healthy and happy, and mental health challenges don't have to be an inevitable part of aging.
If you are worried that a loved one is facing a mental health challenge, don't feel like you have to face it alone. Seek help from the staff at your loved one's senior living community for advice on support groups.
If you want to raise the topic of mental health and you believe your loved one has some stigma around the subject, try to find a relaxed environment, like during a walk together. Avoid passing judgment and use the time to actively listen to what your loved one has to say.
So, how does stigma affect mental health? For seniors, it can delay treatment and worsen the symptoms. It's vital that seniors have a supportive environment and can prioritize wellness in their later years.
At Coastal Heights Senior Living, the well-being of residents is at the heart of everything we do. With on-site wellness programs, a caring and experienced team, and a friendly and safe environment, retirees will be able to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Book a tour today to learn more about our community.