What Is Mental Health Stigma and How Does It Impact Seniors?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in five American adults lives with mental health conditions. Aging and mental health are inextricably linked, and people are more likely to experience symptoms as they age.

Stigma awareness in aging adults is critical so that seniors feel confident enough to take their mental health into their own hands. It's a critical first step toward enjoying senior life in Springfield, the home of gorgeous museums and hobby shops.

But what is mental health stigma, exactly?

Read on to demystify behavioral wellness and have more productive senior care conversations in Missouri's best senior community.

What Is Mental Health Stigma?

"Stigma" refers to negative attitudes toward those who have mental health conditions.These include things like anxiety and depression stemming from social isolation. Stigmatized disorders may also include bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Stigma is often the result of:

Inaccurate beliefs about the reasons behind mental illness
Stereotypes of those with mental health problems
A misunderstanding of mental health symptoms

But what is mental health stigma, more specifically? Where do stigmatized attitudes come from?

There are multiple types of stigma, including:

Public stigma that makes those with mental health conditions feel that their experience is socially unacceptable or shameful
Structural stigma that places legal restrictions on those with mental health problems, which can limit their rights
Self-stigma, where the person who's living with mental illness believes that they're flawed

All of these types of stigma can make seniors suffering from mental illness refuse treatment.They may worry that they'll be treated badly by peers or in medical settings. They may also just be ashamed of their symptoms and not want to talk about treatment plans.

How Does This Impact Older Adults?

Mental health stigma disproportionately affects seniors.

This is because age is a risk factor for mental health since older adults are frequently socially isolated. The National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that one in three seniors aged 50-80 are isolated than others, and 37% feel a lack of companionship.

The World Health Organization discusses the ultimate impact of this isolation. About 14% of seniors 60+ have some form of mental disorder. This means that mental health problems account for about 10.6% of conditions that older adults have!

Luckily, there are several ways to prevent depression, anxiety, and related issues. Some include:

Getting the day-to-day care needed to thrive with good hygiene and individually-tailored routines
Meeting new friends and fostering lifelong connections with those who live nearby
Remaining in contact with family and friends
Staying active with regular exercise and getting enough sunlight
Engaging with beloved hobbies
Discovering new interests
Attending art and music therapy
Talk therapy in both individual and group settings

However, as long as mental health stigma bogs someone down, they're unlikely to get professional therapy or other assistance. They also may not know the link between socialization and mental health, which can lead to further isolation and withdrawal.

Combatting Mental Health Stigma

To improve senior mental health, it's important to combat stigmas surrounding common conditions. This can be hard when:

Seniors feel embarrassed to ask for help because of self-stigma
Minimal assistance is available
Family and friends brush older adults off when they try to talk about their depression/anxiety
Isolated seniors have few people to turn to when looking to discuss heavy topics
Low self-esteem makes it challenging to reach out

Luckily, it's possible for those suffering from mental illness to take back control in three steps.

1. Researching Mental Health

Undoing self-stigma requires some research.Those experiencing symptoms of mental health issues can research:

The underlying causes of their condition
What symptoms they might be suffering from
Lifestyle factors contributing to mental health problems
Available treatment options
Healthy coping mechanisms
Where to find social support
How to get professional mental health assistance

They can also learn how to dissipate social stigma by looking into:

Common misconceptions people have about their conditions
The facts that negate these misconceptions
Accurate information about mental health
How to use respectful language when discussing mental health with loved ones
Effective ways to share their experiences with those around them

This information is easy to find online. However, if you or an older loved one struggles to navigate web pages, it's also readily available in library books and published academic essays.

2. Having Open Conversations

Once you have a better understanding of your condition(s) and how to talk about them freely, it's time to initiate conversations with family and friends about your mental health.

You can do this by:

Sitting down with those you trust in a comfortable location
Using non-stigmatizing language
Explaining the specific struggles you're facing
Asking for the specific help you need to cope with your mental health issues

Chances are that your loved ones will meet you with compassion and support.

You can also talk with compassionate caregivers in the best Missouri senior living community to get professional support.

3. Finding Support in Community Living

Our top-notch Springfield senior living community doesn't just provide daily support. At Springhouse Village, we also encourage seniors to attend hobby programs, social groups, and therapy sessions.

Our wide range of activities and events encourages seniors to stay adventurous and active. Discovering new interests and passions has never been easier!

Plus, it's easy to connect with others when you live within the same community walls. Making friends and staving off isolation is easy when you can see companions every day! This can decrease the impacts of loneliness and bolster mental health.

Get Emotional Support for Seniors at Springhouse Village

So, what is mental health stigma? On the most basic level, it's a term referring to poor attitudes surrounding mental health issues. Realistically, it's an unnecessary barrier that stops seniors from getting help for painful issues like depression and anxiety.

Now that you know about stigma awareness and aging, it's time to help yourself or a loved one thrive in the best Springfield senior living community!

Springhouse Village senior living offers both active independent living and assisted living options to ensure that all residents find the perfect balance between autonomy and support. We also have a memory care community to help those suffering from cognitive decline stay sharp and happy.