What Is Mental Health Stigma and Its Impact on Aging Adults?
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You might think that being in the middle of a verdant copse in Tampa would make anyone feel pristine, but this is sadly not the case. Emotional wellness in aging is a serious concern for many throughout Florida, and as the CDC reports that almost 30% of adults often or always feel lonely, it can get even worse. Mental health struggles are not a personal failure, despite the stigma around them.
"What is mental health stigma?", we hear you cry!
Well, it's complicated. We want to help you understand the dangerous barrier that prevents many older adults in the Tampa area from speaking up about their problems. So, read on to learn how it can worsen chronic illnesses and cause significant challenges with a senior's quality of life.
What Is Mental Health Stigma and Why Does It Persist?
The sad truth is that society often judges those suffering from mental health problems poorly. AARP discovered that this is a common perception, with around two-thirds of people having noticed it, which presents an opportunity to change our direction and help these individuals instead.
These issues stem from long-standing myths that those with mental illness have a weaker character, and that the mental health issues are not treatable conditions but problems with who the people who suffer from them are. Sadly, these are long-standing issues that have been prevalent for a long time, often depicted in media across the centuries, and so we are only now beginning to realize that the problem can be addressed.
Many older adults grew up in a time when depression or anxiety was labelled as "nerves" or when a "nervous breakdown" was the diagnosis for an emotional outburst triggered due to stress and chronic mental illness. These normalized the symptoms, blaming the triggers or the sufferer instead of the mental health problem itself, even when the person recently suffered from bereavement or other recent changes in their life that can cause severe distress.
As these people were told to "stay strong", they have repressed many of their emotions without a chance to express them. This issue has, sadly, led to many other problems, such as a propensity for drinking in cultural groups who are asked to repress these issues the most, such as older men and women.
Hiding From the Problem
The media also portrays those with issues linked to aging, such as dementia, as a "burden" or a "problem". As such, when people first notice the signs of these conditions, they may try to hide them rather than seeking help, which means they then don't have a support network.
These people then suffer from loneliness, which itself can even cause or accelerate dementia. The whole issue quickly snowballs, with seniors afraid to interact with friends or family for fear of judgment. Then, when they do, interactions only increase their concern due to how people act toward them in their weakened state.
Even grandparents who once cared for older generations may struggle to accept that they need help, and that said help can come from a younger generation.
Finally, the simple loss of independence whenever "helpers" are around may also cause problems. Seniors may feel unable to express when they want to do something themselves and when they want help rather than have someone do the whole task, leading to frustration.
How Stigma Can Bring Someone Low
The National Council on Aging has studied those over the age of 50 and found that almost 20% have a mental health condition that could affect their quality of life. Sadly, as these people have grown up in a society that admonishes those with these conditions, it's not only others who may cause a problem, but they may also start to develop self-stigma. These are beliefs that can sap their motivation, causing a loss of hope in their future, leading to severe depression.
When you notice that a loved one starts to do some of the following, you may want to intervene to try to help:
- Skipping meals
- Neglecting hygiene
- Stepping back from social opportunities
- Not enjoying events and activities they once did
It is a good idea to attempt to discover the cause, but this is not always easy if the person does not want to open up.
How to Break Through With a Loved One
When speaking to someone you believe is suffering, start by talking about yourself. One of the best things to do is to normalize the idea of emotions and discussing them, showing that you trust the other person to share them if there is more than one of you, such as other members of your family, or even a new, friendly face, that can often do more to show how normal the expression is to you.
Don't over-celebrate if someone expresses something to you. Simply listen and ensure you understand by asking questions.
It is rare that everything will happen in a single sitting. However, also be ready in case the floodgates of emotion open and they suddenly need a lot of help.
Use open-ended questions, such as:
- How are you coping today?
- What was that you were complaining about earlier?
- What's been on your mind lately?
- What do you want to get off your chest?
- Rough week, huh?
Then, if you both share personal stories of stress, it can feel less like a therapy session to both of you. However, remember that this is only the beginning. Discovery Village Westchase offers memory care support and promotes assisted living awareness to foster a culture of mental health education for seniors. We strive to do everything possible to help those in need.
Start Supporting to Reduce Stigma
What is mental health stigma? It's a set of judgments made about someone that can have long-lasting effects. However, mental health stigma often abates when a person's support network can treat mental health as equal to physical health and integral to healthy lifestyles.
Fortunately, stigma and senior care are closely intertwined at Discovery Village Westchase.
If you would like to learn more, please book a tour with us or contact us to share your specific needs. We can discuss with you the measures we take to ensure the mental well-being of everyone in our circle.