Unfortunately, there is still a rampant stigma surrounding mental health concerns that comes with countless negative myths and misconceptions about aging and mental health. These toxic misunderstandings can be especially damaging to older adults. If you have an aging loved one, clearing the air with them about aging and mental health can do wonders for their overall well-being. Here are some common myths surrounding aging and mental health.
Myth: Mental Illness Stops at the Mind
While our society has become gradually more progressive about the topic of mental illness, this is still a common viewpoint many tend to hold. Many older adults’ sincere concerns about their mental well-being are easily brushed off as them being “dramatic” or even “senile”, which can lead to them experiencing lower self-esteem.
This is an especially harmful misconception that many have, as it downplays the genuine physical harm that the elderly struggling with mental illness has to endure. It’s especially true for older adults that when your mental health is poor, your physical health tends to follow. For example, depressive elderly patients have been found to function poorly even when compared to other patients with chronic physical conditions.
Myth: Professional Help Is Only for Serious Cases
Mental illness in the elderly is particularly underdiagnosed and undertreated due to mindsets such as this, leading to unfortunate repercussions. Mental health issues, similarly to physical health issues, should always be addressed as early as possible. Mental health disorders are experienced in a range of severity, and they can gradually worsen especially if there’s no effort being made to tackle the issue itself. Rather than waiting for an older adult’s mental health condition to worsen, early intervention would be much more helpful and effective in solving the problem.
Myth: Time Can Heal Mental Illness
Mental illness is not as superficial as feeling a certain way for a while before returning back to the usual. The only time that can heal mental illness would be the time spent putting effort towards a cure, such as therapy sessions. Even after an individual’s mental illness is considered better, there’s always the possibility of them relapsing and returning to their unhealthy mental state. This is especially true for older adults that struggle with conditions such as addiction and anxiety. Rather than leaving the problem alone to sit for a while with time, it’s infinitely better to show support with action.
Myth: Depression in the Elderly Is Common, So It’s not that Serious
Depression is indeed common among the elderly. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. In fact, it’s serious because it’s common, to the point that it’s difficult to openly discuss their personal experience without fear of being judged. Depression was and will never be a regular part of aging. If a loved one opens up about having depression or another mood disorder, it’d be best to be fully supportive of them by sincerely attempting to understand their feelings and empathize with them.
Mental health issues can lead to older adults requiring assistance with daily living tasks. If your loved one is experiencing such problems, TerraBella Hillsborough is here to help! We offer resident-focused senior living options for your loved ones to focus on their well-being, while we do all the heavy lifting.
