What Is Stigma in Mental Health? A Senior Living Perspective
According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of seniors aged 60 and older have a mental disorder. These conditions account for nearly 11% of the total disability among older adults. However, these conditions are often left undertreated due to the stigma surrounding them.
What is stigma in mental health, and how can you start prioritizing mental health awareness? Read on to learn more before seeking emotional support for seniors in Dallas, TX!
What Is Stigma in Mental Health?
According to the National Council on Aging, about one in five Americans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The number of older adults with mental health conditions may double by 2030.
However, two-thirds of these seniors don't receive the treatment they need.
There's a social stigma surrounding mental health issues. Some people believe it's "normal" for seniors to grow unhappy or lonely as they age. This stigma keeps many seniors from getting the treatment they need.
Stigma is a bias or prejudice.It can develop when people don't understand the reasons behind someone else's:
- Beliefs
- Health conditions
- Situation
Stigmas often form out of fear or ignorance. There are four types of stigma surrounding mental illness.
Public stigmas are shared. They develop when a group forms negative opinions about people struggling with mental illnesses.
Self-stigmas are internalized. They develop when you feel ashamed due to someone else's negative reactions to a mental illness.
Cultural stigmas are a combination of public and self-stigmas. They occur when a community's beliefs cause you to negatively view mental illnesses.
Structural stigmas are built into our daily lives. For example, a workplace may deny people with mental illnesses work opportunities.
All four types of mental health stigma can cause:
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Exclusion
- Discrimination
Causes of Mental Health Stigma
Misunderstandings and ignorance can cause mental health stigma.Mental health conditions affect people differently. Unlike a physical condition, they're hidden and therefore discussed less.
This can make it difficult for people to know about or understand mental health conditions. Without better awareness through senior mental health education, misunderstandings can form. People may buy into stereotypes.
Media (movies, TV shows, etc.) often embrace these damaging stereotypes. For example, someone struggling with depression might come off as reclusive. A character with schizophrenia may be portrayed as dysfunctional or even violent.
This encourages people to view mental health conditions in a negative light.
Impact on Mental Health in Older Adults
Older adults are at a higher risk for mental health problems due to:
- The stress of caregiving
- Chronic illnesses or disabilities
- Loneliness and/or social isolation
- The loss of a loved one
- Taking certain medications
- Alcohol use or abuse
- Changes during retirement
According to AARP, there was a 57.4% spike in the percentage of mental health diagnoses in people aged 65 and older. The diagnoses among older adults with anxiety or depression nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023.
Discrimination due to the mental health stigma can cause social isolation and loneliness.Isolation can worsen a mental health condition, triggering an endless cycle.
The mental health stigma can affect seniors:
- Emotionally (causing hopelessness, sadness, etc.)
- Psychologically (causing low self-esteem)
- Socially (leading to social isolation)
- Economically (limiting work or career advancements)
Emotional Support for Seniors
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, encourage them to seek emotional support for seniors. Here are a few ways you can overcome mental health stigma.
Prioritize Mental Health Awareness
Seek out senior mental health education opportunities. Learning more about mental health can help remove the stigma surrounding it.
It can also encourage people to take a proactive approach when they recognize they're struggling. Common signs of mental illness include:
- Worrisome thoughts
- Tension
- Substance abuse
- Appetite changes
- Negative impacts on relationships (self-isolation)
- Disruption of sleep
If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional for a diagnosis. They'll ensure you begin the proper course of treatment, which can enhance your quality of life.
Prioritizing mental health awareness can help you speak up. Consider sharing your experiences with other seniors. This can remove the stigma while showing others the benefits of seeking help.
Seek Treatment
Your primary care physician can connect you with a:
- Counselor
- Psychiatrist
- Therapist
One of these mental health professionals can evaluate your symptoms. They'll ensure you begin the proper course of treatment.
Take your medications on time, daily, as advised. If you're struggling to keep up with these medications, consider moving into a senior living community. You can receive daily support and gain access to additional resources.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a healthy routine can give your day a sense of structure. Try adding hobbies to your routine to add sources of joy to your day. These may include:
- Walking or hiking
- Exercise classes (Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.)
- Drawing or painting
- Journaling or writing
- Crocheting or knitting
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. You can discover fun activities to enjoy alongside other seniors in Dallas. Remaining social can benefit your mood and outlook on life.
Adjusting your diet may benefit your mood and mental health.Certain foods contain compounds that affect neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain). Foods that may uplift your mood include:
- Fatty fish
- Fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, etc.)
- Oats
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and lentils
- Coffee
- Bananas
- Berries
- Dark chocolate
You can discover healthy, delicious dishes through your senior living community's dining program.
Stay Positive
As you apply these tips for better mental health in older adults, try to remain positive. Consider developing a gratitude practice, which can:
- Reduce depression symptoms
- Ease anxiety
- Relieve stress
- Lower your blood pressure and heart rate
- Support heart health
- Improve sleep
Senior Living and Wellness
To recap, what is stigma in mental health? It's a bias, often caused by ignorance or fear. Instead of letting this stigma keep you from seeking help, seek emotional support for seniors in Dallas.
Remember, you can find more helpful resources through your senior living community. Our team at The Bentley Senior Living offers Independent Living with Supportive Services, allowing you to live a maintenance-free, independent life with help as needed.
Explore our exclusive lifestyle programs, including engaging activities, chef-prepared meals, and fitness classes. Contact us now to schedule a tour.