How Does Stigma Affect Mental Health in Senior Living?
According to a new report from nonprofit organization FAIR Health, mental health diagnoses have increased in recent years. In particular, there was a 57.4 percent spike in the number of diagnoses for older adults aged 65 and older.
The main issue with diagnosing mental health illnesses in seniors is the stigma attached surrounding both them and mental health. People already dislike getting labeled as depressed or anxious. On top of that, Tampa is supposed to be well-known for its amazing beaches and good vibes.
So, how does stigma affect mental health, and what can society do to address the issue?
The Landscape of Mental Health in Retirement
Aging is a complex process. While it brings wisdom and experience, it can also come with profound emotional and psychological challenges.
Seniors face numerous life transitions that they can't avoid, such as retirement and the loss of a spouse or friends. Moving into retirement can mean giving up a daily job, and in some cases, your home. All of this change can trigger feelings of loneliness, sadness, or even grief.
Contrary to stereotypes, mental health issues are not an inevitable part of aging. At the same time, many conditions go undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma. It's important to address that stigma so they can receive the care they need.
How Does Stigma Affect Mental Health?
Stigma surrounding mental health manifests in several ways.
First, there's the stigma built up due to seniors growing up in a time when mental illness was misunderstood and rarely discussed. "Disruptive" women received labels like hysterical. Those with now treatable mental health disorders ended up in mental health institutions.
Second, family members and caregivers may also contribute to the stigma. They may dismiss signs of depression or anxiety as typical aspects of aging. Refusing to see these signs as problems can invalidate real emotional struggles.
Stigma awareness is essential so seniors won't have to suffer in silence. They can reach out for emotional support or professional intervention.
The Impact On Memory Care and Wellness
Mental health and memory care go hand-in-hand for seniors.
Memory care refers to specialized support for individuals experiencing memory loss. These seniors may have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Although these conditions have biological roots, they are still heavily stigmatized. Seniors facing cognitive decline may feel shame, embarrassment, or fear that their loved ones will treat them differently.
As a result, many individuals delay seeking a diagnosis or hide symptoms from loved ones. This can result in missed opportunities for early intervention and supportive care.
At the same time, poor emotional health can cause a person's mind to deteriorate. A senior who uses their mind can build up resistance to the effects of dementia, causing it to progress more slowly. The opposite is also true for those who pull away and fall into a deep depression.
The Importance of Support for Mental Health in Retirement Communities
The environment of a retirement community plays a major role in a senior's mental health. Staff and residents should strive to foster an atmosphere of compassion, acceptance, and stigma awareness. That way, seniors are more likely to seek the help they need.
Some communities achieve this goal by integrating mental health programming directly into daily life. This may include features such as counseling services, therapy groups, and mindfulness sessions.
Such offerings help normalize the idea that mental wellness is as important as physical health.
Addressing Stigma Through Senior Emotional Support
One of the most effective ways to combat stigma is through senior emotional support programs. These initiatives often include peer support groups, mental health education sessions, and access to specialized therapists.
Family involvement is also vital. Loved ones can help normalize mental health care by talking about it. They can encourage counseling when needed and reinforce the idea that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers
Healthcare providers for seniors must lead the charge in reducing stigma. Routine mental health screenings should be as common as checking blood pressure or glucose levels. Providers need to know the right questions and how to ask them in a non-threatening way.
Similarly, caregivers play an essential role. They should be educated on the signs of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. They should also receive training in stigma awareness, so they can speak to residents in ways that affirm dignity and agency.
Combating Internalized Stigma
About two-thirds of people worldwide do not seek treatment for their mental health conditions. Many people struggle with mental illness for upwards of a decade before getting the help they need. Why is that?
Even when external stigma is reduced, many older adults still wrestle with internalized stigma. These can include feelings of shame, failure, or the belief that they are a burden.
Combating this internalized stigma requires ongoing emotional support and opportunities for personal growth. Encourage participation in hobbies, volunteering, or mentoring younger residents. Lead discussion groups to help seniors rediscover a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Building a Culture of Acceptance and Wellness
Mental health should be viewed as an integral part of senior living communities, regardless of whether they're more independent or provide memory care. Retirement communities can foster a culture of openness by:
- Including mental health professionals on staff
- Offering workshops on emotional wellness
- Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
- Creating peer-led support groups
- Training staff and residents in stigma reduction techniques
- Incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities
Such efforts send a clear message that it's okay to struggle and ask for help.
Erasing the Stigma of Aging and Mental Health
How does stigma affect mental health, then? It actively works against good mental health by keeping people from getting the help they need when they need it. If a person is getting in their own way, then they'll never gain the skills they need to get better.
Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay is a senior living community that features independent and assisted living, as well as memory care services. Each of our residents enjoys amenities such as a heated swimming pool, lush landscaping, and a private dining room. Reach out today with any questions and to set up a tour of our community.