According to Huntington Psychological Services, approximately 15% to 20% of adults over 60 have a mental or neurological disorder.
Approximately 45% of those who need mental health treatment don’t receive it. This is primarily due to stigma against it.
The word “stigma” originated from the Greek word for a mark or brand. Today, these marks come from prejudices and biases.
Seniors living in Greenville, SC, aren’t immune to it. Stigmas against mental health can make the area’s vibrant downtown and natural sights, such as Falls Park on the Reedy, difficult to enjoy.
Read on to answer the question: How does stigma affect mental health?
Mental Health Issues Facing Older Adults
Seniors can deal with a range of mental health concerns, but two of the most common are depression and anxiety.
They’re often brought on or exacerbated by issues that seniors suffer from more than younger adults, such as:
- Grief
- Chronic health conditions
- Physical challenges, such as a lack of mobility
- Social isolation
Types of Stigma
What makes mental health stigma so difficult to combat is that it’s present everywhere. It’s part of society, from the highest to the most personal levels.
Combine it with stigmas against aging adults in general, and you have a serious issue.
Structural
Structural stigma refers to policies that make mental health treatment difficult to access. This may include:
- Laws
- Regulations
- Low funding for research
Public
Public stigma refers to negative attitudes towards mental health held by the world at large.
They may believe that mental health treatment isn’t necessary. There’s also the belief that it will change your personality or make you a hollow shell of your former self.
They may view a mental health condition as a sign of personal or moral failure. Anyone who’s depressed or anxious isn’t “trying hard enough” to feel better.
They may even believe that those with mental health conditions are dangerous and unpredictable.
Personal
Personal or self-stigma refers to negative attitudes older adults hold about their mental health.
They can start to feel ashamed or guilty, asking questions like, “Why can’t I snap out of it?” They may be so afraid of being judged that they isolate themselves and don’t seek treatment.
Ageism
Ageism refers to untrue beliefs about older adults. Many of them relate to mental health.
Some assume that mental health issues are a natural part of aging. Mental health treatment can’t help them. There’s also the belief that seniors with mental health issues can’t be productive members of society anymore.
These myths come from the idea of seniors being frail and unable to be helped. The truth is not all of them develop mental health conditions. Those who do can see results with the proper treatment and support.
How Does Stigma Affect Mental Health?
Stigmas originate from deep-seated societal beliefs that are challenging to eliminate. The question remains: how does stigma affect mental health?
They can feed into each other into a never-ending cycle. It’s especially difficult when seniors develop personal stigma against their conditions.
They’ll start to feel shame or guilt. Their self-esteem goes down.
They may choose to isolate themselves due to a fear of being judged or ostracized. They’ll also avoid mental health treatment.
This makes the symptoms of their mental health condition worse. That leads to more personal stigma and more symptoms.
Tragically, the connection between stigma and emotional health can even prove deadly.
According to researchers at McLean Hospital, those 75 and older have the highest risk of suicide of any group. The CDC estimates 20.3 deaths per 100,0000 seniors. Dealing with unhealthy beliefs for too long can become unbearable.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma
The best weapon against stigma is the truth. Demonstrate the reality of mental health struggles to both seniors and society.
This dispels pervasive myths. It also promotes proper treatment and contributes to improved mental wellness in aging populations.
Integrated Healthcare
All senior support services need to include mental health as a component. It’s essential for individual and community well-being.
Healthcare providers can’t let their own stigmas or biases get in the way. They need to treat the entire patient and look for signs of mental health changes. It’ll improve the world and the total wellness of Greenville, SC, senior living communities.
Mental Health Education
Stigma feeds on misinformation. When a myth exists long enough, it can be difficult to get rid of the stain it leaves behind.
That’s why mental health education for all ages is so crucial. Inform them of the symptoms to watch for. Tell them where and how they can get treatment. Knowing the truth will help fight any misconceptions.
Senior living communities in Greenville, SC, can take the lead in this effort. They can host educational workshops or meetups to let residents and the general public know the truth.
Open Communication and Interaction
Stigma interferes with communication. Seniors may face harmful comments from others who don’t understand what they’re going through. It can make seniors afraid to talk about their mental health.
Open discussions help reduce stigma. They also make mental health easier to handle. Talking about how you feel doesn’t make it harder to handle: in most cases, it makes it easier. Finding a support group that understands can combat loneliness.
Bringing different age groups together for honest communication also helps reduce stigma. This can be achieved through family meetups or events in independent living in Greenville, SC.
Anyone frightened by schizophrenia can meet a senior living with the condition, helping them understand there’s nothing to fear and empowering them to educate others.
Find a Senior Living Community for Overall Wellness Today
How does stigma affect mental health? It’s a dangerous mindset that affects the world on both a widespread and personal level. The best way to counter stigma and obtain necessary help is by learning the truth and sharing it.
Terrabella Greenville is known for overall excellence in senior living. We offer independent living with supportive services.
We take over maintenance and meal preparation, so you’re free to live your life the way you want. Our available activities and events ensure you’re never bored.
Schedule a tour of Terra Bella Senior Living in Greenville, SC, today.
