How Does Stigma Affect Mental Health in Independent Seniors?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that around 14% of adults over 60 live with a mental disorder. But this number only includes those who have been diagnosed.

The reality is that many other seniors struggle with mental health, but haven't received the diagnoses or help they need. This is because there's a prevalent stigma regarding mental health, especially within older adult circles.

How does stigma affect mental health? How does it affect older adults, and what can you do to help break the stigma?

This article will discuss senior emotional wellness so you can help your loved one thrive.

What Is Mental Health Stigma?

The term "stigma" refers to any negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward people of a certain category. In terms of mental health stigma, this is toward people who have mental health conditions.

When people have this stigma, it creates a barrier to understanding. Not only that, but it can prevent them from receiving empathy and access to care.

The types of stigma are:

• Public: Negative attitudes and beliefs from society
• Self: Internalized shame and doubt that comes from absorbing societal messages
• Structural: Systemic limitations, such as a lack of access to care or dismissive policies in healthcare policies

Why Independent Seniors Are Particularly Affected

Seniors in independent living are generally very confident in their daily lives. However, mental health stigma affects people of all ages, and especially so for independent seniors. This is why.

Cultural and Generational Beliefs

Many seniors were raised during times when mental health discussions were taboo. They've learned not to talk about it.

Even worse is that they may view depression and anxiety as personal weaknesses rather than medical conditions. So rather than opening up about their struggles, they may choose to be quiet and stoic.

Fear of Losing Independence

Some seniors worry that if they admit to mental health struggles, they'll be judged unfit to live independently. They don't want to lose their independence, so they're reluctant to speak out.

Isolation and Loneliness

Independent living can have its perks, but older adults can feel more isolated, too. Not only can it cause isolation, but it can also be worsened by stigma. This is especially true if they fear being labeled or pitied.

Misunderstanding of Symptoms

Seniors often have mental health symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Apathy
• Cognitive changes

These are often misattributed to normal aging, rather than conditions like depression, anxiety, or grief.

Limited Access to Support

Some older adults (especially those on fixed incomes) may lack access to culturally sensitive and affordable mental health services. Unfortunately, this reinforces feelings of helplessness and stigma.

How Does Stigma Affect Mental Health?

There are real-world consequences when seniors go through mental health stigma. For instance, their untreated mental health conditions can become chronic, and this can affect their:

• Physical health
• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Overall well-being

They might also experience delayed diagnosis and treatment. This may be due to the older adults ignoring symptoms or avoiding asking for help since they're afraid of being judged.

As a result, they experience a reduced quality of life. They might go through:

• Social withdrawal
• Diminished self-esteem
• Decreased participation in the activities they once enjoyed

Sadly, this also leads to an increased risk of suicide. Shame and silence often prevent seniors from reaching out.

How to Break the Stigma

Stigma and aging can be difficult to deal with. But the good news is that you can do things to help break the stigma.

Normalize Conversations About Mental Health

The first thing you can do is normalize conversations about mental health. This is optimal for senior emotional wellness since this motivates them to talk openly about:

• Feelings
• Stress
• Grief
• Loneliness

To do this, share stories about people who have sought help and benefited. Make sure to avoid negative words like "crazy" or "weak" when discussing mental health.

Educate and Inform

Another fantastic idea is to educate and inform. As we've said, many older adults aren't very informed about mental health issues, so knowledge is power.

You should provide age-appropriate education on common mental health conditions, like:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Make an effort to dispel myths, too. For example, emphasize that depression isn't a part of normal aging.

Promote Mental Health Screenings

As part of mental health support in Temple, TX, for seniors, you should promote screenings. All too often, symptoms can go unnoticed, so mental health checkups are important.

Encourage older adults to get them regularly, like with physical exams. Doctors should use simple screening tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to identify early signs.

Support Peer Networks and Social Connections

For a healthy aging mindset, your beloved senior should join the following to reduce loneliness:

• Clubs
• Fitness classes
• Faith-based groups
• Volunteer groups

If possible, drop by to visit them often or take them out. But if you and other loved ones are far away, use technology (such as Zoom or FaceTime) to stay connected.

Involve Family and Caregiver Awareness

Not only should you educate seniors themselves, but also their loved ones and caregivers. With things like independent senior care awareness, the general public can learn about age-related mental health risks.

You should encourage loved ones to model nonjudgmental support and language. It can be beneficial to host a family night or send out informational pamphlets on senior mental health.

Provide Access to Senior-Friendly Mental Health Services

Older adults should have good access to mental health services. Find practices that have:

• Low noise
• Accessible spaces
• Empathetic staff

In addition, find online counseling platforms that cater to seniors. They can then learn things like brain exercises to do at home.

Help Seniors With Their Mental Health

So how does stigma affect mental health? It discourages older adults from recognizing signs of issues and seeking help.

This means that it's important to break the stigma and assist them in getting on the right path. That way, they'll lead happier and healthier lives.

At Morada Temple, we have chefs on staff who have over 20 years of experience. Get in touch with us today if you want more information on senior living in Temple, TX.