According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), almost 15% of older adults have some type of mental health disorder, and this number is expected to double by 2030. But even though mental health issues are so prevalent, it's seriously underdiagnosed and undertreated in seniors. Only 33% of them receive the treatment they need.
Part of why this is happening is because there's stigma surrounding mental health, and that's especially true for older adults. However, emotional wellness in aging is vital for our well-being, so we need to break this stigma.
What is stigma in mental health, and how does it affect seniors in Fort Pierce, FL? Read on to find out.
Mental health stigma is when people have the following thoughts towards those who are dealing with mental health conditions:
Often, it comes from misunderstandings, as well as societal judgments and deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
There are three main types of stigma:
Senior stigmas can appear in derogatory labels like "crazy" or "senile." Or people may dismiss their issues as just old age.
While mental health stigma can impact everyone greatly, seniors are especially at risk. This is why.
Many older adults were raised in times when mental health was taboo. If you admitted to any of the following, then it was seen as a personal failure:
Some cultures may also expect stoicism in older age. This makes seniors feel pressured to be tough, which prevents them from acknowledging their struggles or seeking help.
It's easy to misattribute mental health symptoms to aging rather than treatable conditions, especially if you're not educated in either matter.
For example, depression symptoms may be mistaken for the senior slowing down or having normal grief. Or loved ones may ignore anxiety symptoms or label the older adult as frail. And most concerning is that early dementia signs may be overlooked until the senior hits later stages.
Seniors may experience profound loneliness due to these age-related changes:
In fact, the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation says that loneliness and isolation are back to pre-pandemic levels, but they're still high for older adults. Stigma compounds this feeling by discouraging open discussions about emotional difficulties. As a result, they may go through deeper isolation.
As we've said before, healthcare professionals often underdiagnose mental health issues in seniors. On top of that, caregivers might dismiss their mood changes as a normal part of aging.
Even if doctors diagnosed an older adult and their caregiver was supportive, they themselves may resist therapy or medication. They may have a fear of being seen as mentally ill.
Mental health stigma can have devastating consequences, and not just on perceptions.
For one, seniors will get delayed treatment, as they'll often wait until conditions are severely worse before seeking help. Because of this, they'll have increased physical illness too, as untreated mental health issues can exacerbate physical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It can also cause memory loss.
In addition, while suffering quietly, older adults may experience a reduced quality of life. Not only can this lead to family conflict or neglect in care environments, but it can also lead to higher suicide risks.
Now you may be wondering how you can support your aging parents. Here are our tips to help them thrive.
It all starts with stigma awareness in memory care, assisted living, and independent living. This encourages open discussions about mental health.
When older adults see mental health addressed positively, they're more likely to speak up about their own struggles.
Investing in training care staff is investing in mental health education for seniors. When caregivers and healthcare workers have proper training, they can:
As a result, seniors will feel validated and understood, and this will improve trust and care quality.
If senior support programs like counseling or group therapy are readily available, then older adults are more likely to use them. If these are integrated into senior living environments, then this reduces the psychological barrier of going to therapy.
Some ideas include:
It's also a good idea to have family education programs. If loved ones are involved, then this can help reduce stigma at home.
Positive reinforcement is always a good thing, and it's especially good for breaking down stigma. Senior living and mental health go hand in hand, so if you're able to celebrate small wins, then this can change things tremendously.
Consider activities that cheer on your loved one for doing things like attending a therapy session or opening up about feelings. These can make mental health engagement feel rewarding rather than shameful.
So what is stigma in mental health? It's when there's misinformation and negative attitudes toward people who have mental health issues.
This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help, especially older adults. As a result, there are detrimental effects.
The good news is that you can help your loved ones break free of the stigma and live a happier and healthier life. And if they get into a supportive retirement community, they can thrive even more in their golden years.
If you're interested in assisted living in Fort Pierce, FL, then schedule a tour with us now. The Lynmoore at Lawnwood is a senior living community that has chef-prepared meals with tableside service.