Why Is There a Stigma Around Mental Health in Aging?
According to FAIR Health, mental health diagnoses among older adults rose by nearly double between 2019 and 2023. The most common diagnosis was depression, with anxiety close behind.
Unfortunately, many seniors still continue to deny whatever mental health problems they have. Others don't realize they have an issue due to preexisting stigma regarding mental health and aging. Fairfield, IA, addresses them with a tight-knit community and access to holistic resources.
So, why is there a stigma around mental health, and what can you do to address it?
Why is There a Stigma Around Mental Health?
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, regardless of age. Yet, when it comes to older adults, the conversation often becomes hushed, avoided, or misunderstood. The stigma remains a persistent barrier to care, support, and healing.
Historical and Cultural Factors Behind Senior Stigma Issues
The history of mental health treatment and perception is not a pretty one.
Many of today's seniors grew up in an era when mental health was not discussed. Therapy was rare and often stigmatized. Older treatment options were limited, ineffective, or outright abusive in nature.
Additionally, certain cultural backgrounds may discourage open discussions of emotional distress. Some communities consider mental illness taboo. Those who seek psychological help are shameful.
Misconceptions About Mental Health and Aging
There's a widespread myth that mental illness is a normal part of aging. Many believe that feeling sad, lonely, or anxious is expected in older adulthood. After all, people tend to suffer a lot of loss and changes by that point in their lives.
However, persistent depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms are not natural parts of aging. These misconceptions contribute to senior stigma issues by invalidating real psychological conditions.
Ageism and Mental Health
Discrimination based on age plays a significant role in the stigma surrounding senior mental health.
Some people in society and medical professions view elderly individuals as frail. They're either dependent or cognitively declining. Providers may prioritize physical health over psychological needs, dismissing signs of emotional suffering.
This neglect of behavioral wellness in seniors leaves many without proper diagnoses or care. Older adults may also come to view themselves as not worth investing in emotionally or psychologically.
The Role of Loneliness and Isolation
Many older adults live alone or have minimal social interactions.
Spouses, friends, or siblings may have passed away, and grown children might live in another city or state. Retirement, limited mobility, or chronic illness can reduce opportunities for connection.
All of these factors make seniors particularly vulnerable to loneliness. In turn, loneliness can cause or worsen depression and anxiety.
Experts should treat loneliness as both a social issue and a mental health concern. Treating it solely as a social issue reinforces the notion that emotional struggles are not serious problems for seniors.
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care
Even when seniors want help, systemic barriers make it difficult to access mental care. These include:
- Lack of transportation to therapy or counseling appointments
- Cost of care for those on fixed incomes or limited insurance
- Shortage of geriatric mental health professionals
- Physical or cognitive impairments
- Stigma from caregivers or family members
Moreover, some seniors fear being labeled as mentally ill because they worry it will affect their independence. Their concern is that they may lose autonomy or get institutionalized.
Mental care in aging is much more advanced and compassionate these days.
The Impact of Untreated Mental Health Issues in Seniors
The consequences of ignoring or minimizing mental health struggles can be severe.
Untreated depression can worsen physical illnesses. It also decreases life expectancy and increases the risk of suicide. In fact, older men have some of the highest suicide rates in the country.
Additionally, mental health disorders can exacerbate existing health problems. Poor mental health reduces motivation for self-care, making it harder for seniors to stick to treatment plans.
Without proper attention to behavioral wellness, the cycle of decline can accelerate dramatically.
Eliminating Senior Stigma Issues
Combatting the stigma around mental health and aging requires a multifaceted approach. That means educating and training key figures, as well as expanding access to health care for seniors.
Education and Emotional Support Awareness
Community programs, healthcare providers, and media must work together to raise emotional support awareness. They can dispel myths about aging and mental illness so seniors and families can recognize when help is needed.
At the same time, seniors should learn about mindfulness-based interventions. These practices focus the mind and body to enhance overall well-being.
Training Healthcare Providers
Doctors, nurses, and caregivers need training so they can recognize and respond to mental health conditions in seniors. While staff at senior living communities are not medical professionals, they should understand what a mental health crisis looks like.
When providers normalize these conversations, more seniors will speak up.
Expanding Access to Geriatric Mental Health Care
Policymakers and healthcare systems must invest in training more geriatric specialists. In-home services, telehealth, and community outreach programs can bridge the gap for seniors with mobility challenges.
Even something as simple as therapy for seniors can make a big difference in their lives. But they need those resources available to them.
Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces
It's important for seniors to have spaces where they feel safe enough to open up and seek help. These can take the form of senior centers, assisted living communities, and even online communities.
Peer support groups and counseling tailored for older adults can offer much-needed validation. They also help individuals connect with their peers so they feel less alone.
Family and Caregiver Support
Families play a crucial role in helping seniors feel understood and supported. Caregiver education programs can help loved ones recognize symptoms of mental health issues. They can also learn how to talk to older adults without judgment.
Prioritize Behavioral Wellness in Seniors
If mental health awareness has improved so much, then why is there a stigma around mental health to this date? A big part of that stigma comes from past expectations and cultural differences. However, medical professionals have made huge strides in changing that perspective.
Addington Place of Fairfield provides assisted living and memory care for seniors in the area. Each resident can enjoy amenities such as in-room dining and a private suite. Contact us with any questions and to set up a tour of our community.