Mental Health Stigma in Older Adults: Why It Matters in Senior Living
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According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than half of diagnosed individuals with mental health disorders do not receive treatment. Mental health stigma plays a huge role in the inability of individuals to seek and retain help.
What exactly is mental health stigma? Mental health stigma refers to the prejudices and assumptions surrounding individuals with mental health conditions.
For seniors in Houston, TX, stigma may be a major prevention factor that causes them to avoid reaching out for assistance with mental disorders. In this article, we will break down common stigmas and evaluate mental health solutions for mental wellness in senior living.
Stigma and Aging
There are many common misconceptions surrounding mental health and aging. Here are a few common myths about individuals with mental illness:
Mentally Ill People Are Dangerous
When you see unhoused people on the street or violent criminals on the news, you may believe that those who are mentally ill are naturally aggressive and dangerous. While aggression may be a symptom of extreme illnesses like borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia, most individuals with mental illness do not exhibit violent tendencies.
Mentally Ill People Don't Want to Get Help
Ironically, the stigma surrounding mental health is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When individuals with mental illness do not seek help due to fear of judgment, it perpetuates the cycle further.
Seniors may face additional barriers to getting help. Older folks often do not have adequate transportation or resources to visit professionals or attend appointments without asking for support from friends or family.
Mental Illnesses Are Lifelong
Some conditions are genetically inherited, and those who inherit them must manage them for life. However, many conditions are due to chemical imbalances caused by external factors, such as life circumstances.
Many people go on to lead fulfilling lives after receiving treatment for mental illness. Conditions like anxiety and depression can often be treated with a combination of therapy and medication, so the individual can learn effective coping mechanisms before resuming normal life.
Seniors Don't Need to Worry About Mental Illness
Seniors are often perceived as having an easier lifestyle than many other groups. Seniors tend to be more financially stable, usually do not have to worry about working, and often no longer have responsibilities such as childcare.
It is important to remember that mental illness does not discriminate. Though your environment and lifestyle can contribute to the development of mental illness, you are also just as likely to suffer from mental illness even if you consider yourself relatively privileged or you live in a beautiful assisted living community.
Mental Illness Is Rare
It is estimated that one in four adults suffers from mental health issues, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This statistic highlights the fact that mental illness is actually incredibly common.
Recognizing that more individuals suffer from mental illness than expected may make you more open to treatment. Behavioral health awareness is key to breaking down existing stigmas.
Improve Your Senior Emotional Health
Receiving a mental illness diagnosis can often leave you feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to combat the symptoms of mental illness and promote healing.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss your diagnosis with your doctor to explore their recommendations for beginning treatment. Your doctor has a deeper understanding of your medical history and can tailor your treatment plan based on existing conditions and potential medication interactions.
If your primary care physician doesn't feel equipped to handle the severity or complexity of your mental illness, they may refer you to a psychiatrist, a specialized mental health professional who can prescribe medication.
Work With a Therapist
Therapy can be a powerful tool in combating mental illness when applied effectively. A good therapist will help you identify your emotional triggers and resolve them through a variety of techniques
Common therapeutic techniques include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Exposure therapy
- Trauma therapy
If you are dealing with specific situations or symptoms, you may need to see a specialized professional. For instance, many therapists work exclusively with clients who are grieving.
For seniors facing transportation challenges, video or phone therapy can be an excellent way to access necessary mental health services from home. You can have a safe space to talk through your feelings in your assisted living apartment without worrying about how you will get to your next appointment.
Consider Medication
Although medication is not an ideal solution for everyone suffering from mental health disorders, it can be incredibly effective when working properly. When combined with therapeutic techniques, medication may help alleviate your symptoms, allowing you to focus on holistic methods for addressing other aspects of your mental illness.
Many mental health medications require an onboarding period. You won't experience positive results right away; it typically takes four to six weeks for the medication to become effective in your system.
Be aware of potential side effects, and discuss them with your doctor prior to starting the medication.
Keep your doctor updated during the onboarding period. If the side effects are too intense, you may need to lower your dosage or switch medications entirely.
Combat Mental Health Stigma at Morada Senior Living
Mental health stigma is still very real in today's society, but that does not mean you can't help combat it. By openly discussing and dismantling stigmas, we make it easier for those suffering from mental illness to access the care and support they need.
At Morada Cy-Fair, we prioritize the mental health and well-being of our residents. With exclusive programs for military veterans, as well as regionally-inspired dining and various activities and events, we work to provide a fulfilling lifestyle for our residents. We offer memory care support in Houston, along with active independent living and assisted living options.
Want to learn more about how you can benefit from living at Morada Cy-Fair? Reach out to us today with any questions you may have, or visit us at our beautiful location in Houston to see it in person. We can't wait to hear from you!