Understanding the Stigma Around Mental Health in Senior Living

Did you know that 14% of people over the age of 60 are currently living with a mental health condition, according to the WHO?

For seniors living in the friendly community of Orange, a mental health condition can impact your well-being and your ability to enjoy everything that's on offer for retirees in this part of Texas. To add to this, many seniors have stigma around mental health that can stop them from seeking prompt treatment.

If you are worried about mental health symptoms in yourself or a loved one, read on for some guidance.

The Stigma Around Mental Health

While mental health is easier to talk about nowadays, for older generations, there are still some beliefs that persist, like emotional struggles being a sign of weakness.

This stigma can be particularly challenging for seniors to overcome, especially when it has been a lifelong issue. Some older people may feel embarrassed about mental health struggles and reluctant to talk about their feelings or symptoms, which can lead to mental health becoming a silent struggle.

Seniors might also fear that peers and family will judge them if they share challenges like depression or anxiety. Overcoming this stigma is critical because the first step to supporting positive mental health is being able to talk about it.

Mental Health Education: The Long-Term Impact of Stigma

When stigma takes hold, it can have a profoundly negative impact on the well-being of an older adult over time.

Unspoken mental health challenges often worsen without treatment, especially if the senior denies them and tries to push those feelings away. What can happen is that other behaviors and symptoms start to surface to avoid facing a mental health challenge.

For example, a senior might begin to withdraw from social circles, feeling unable to be present in a group situation when they are feeling low or anxious. They might find issues such as poor sleep appear because they have unaddressed anxiety, or diminished appetite after handling a life-changing issue like the loss of a loved one.

Pushing away these mental health symptoms because of stigma can leave them to grow, unchecked, in the absence of proper support.

Stigma Reduction: How to Spot the Warning Signs

When a loved one seems to be struggling, and they feel a stigma around mental health, it's crucial that loved ones feel confident about reaching out and supporting them.

The first step is to know the signs. Mental health doesn't always come with the most common symptoms like low mood, especially if a loved one is masking their feelings because of stigma. Here are some of the other warning signs to watch for:

• Irritability
• Change of appetite
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Changes to sleep patterns
• Memory loss or confusion

Don't make the mistake of assuming these symptoms are a natural sign of aging. Always ask whether they could be a signal of emotional distress, especially if a loved one has recently faced turmoil or life changes that they found difficult.

How to Support a Loved One

If you are sure that your loved one has a mental health symptom, your next step is to open up the conversation.

This can feel like a challenge if your loved one stigmatizes mental health, so you will need to take things slowly.Create a safe, judgment-free environment in which to have a conversation, one where you listen rather than try to diagnose or problem-solve.

It might be worthwhile to offer to attend a medical consultation with your loved one and their general practitioner, as that can be a chance for a professional to talk through some physical symptoms that are triggered by a mental health issue, like insomnia.

Remember to do all you can to combat loneliness by inviting your loved one to participate in group activities and family celebrations whenever possible.

How Activities Can Reduce Stigma

Many therapeutic and social activities can support those with mental health challenges. Even without a diagnosis, participating in these activities can help manage symptoms.

Good hobbies include:

• Arts and crafts workshops
• Fitness classes like yoga
• Group fitness activities, like a nature walk
• Gardening
• Music appreciation classes

One of the reasons social activities can be beneficial for those who stigmatize mental health is that they provide a safe, unthreatening space in which to talk to others. Opening up about feelings such as health worries or grief when taking part in a painting workshop can often be a first step to getting the appropriate mental health support.

Emotional Support for Aging Adults: Group Discussions

Group therapies and discussion spaces can be valuable to those who struggle to open up about their feelings. It allows seniors to talk with their peers and feel less isolated about a mental health challenge.

It can be particularly beneficial to break down barriers and remove stigma; a group discussion helps to normalize the topic and make seniors feel more comfortable sharing their feelings and struggles.

Assisted Living and Mental Health

One of the advantages of a senior living community is that staff have experience with some of the common mental health challenges faced by older people.

If you are concerned about a family member, approach the team for help and advice. They may be able to arrange activities to support your loved one's mental health.

Senior living community staff may also be able to provide recommendations about local counselors and medical practitioners who specialise in geriatric care and mental health.

Senior Mental Wellness in Retirement: Getting the Right Support

You don't have to stay silent about a mental health issue. While there may have been a stigma around mental health in the past, that's changing. There is more awareness and support.

Being in a supportive senior living community can be a great first step in protecting your well-being as you age. At Sabine Place Assisted Living, we have kind and compassionate staff, an on-site wellness program, and a calendar of social events. Book a tour to experience our supportive and friendly community first-hand.