According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 23.1% of the US adult population lives with a mental illness. And these illnesses don't discriminate; they affect everyone, poor or rich, young or old.
However, seniors often face unique barriers when it comes to emotional well-being. The unfortunate thing is that there's a mental health stigma, and this makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
What's mental health stigma, and what steps can you take to ensure emotional wellness in aging for your loved ones in Tampa, FL? Read on to find out.
What Is Mental Health Stigma in Older Adults?
Mental health stigma is when there are negative beliefs, attitudes, and stereotypes surrounding mental health issues. As a result, this leads to discrimination or silence.
In older adults, stigma may be internalized, or it may be culturally ingrained or reinforced by generational beliefs about mental illness.
Here are some common myths that fuel stigma:
- Depression is just a part of aging
- Therapy is for weak people
- If you talk about your feelings, people will think you're crazy
- You're too old to be changed or helped
Why Seniors Are Vulnerable
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health stigma. This is often because they're socially isolated or have gone through grief and the loss of loved ones or independence.
In addition, it's common for seniors to go through physical health decline, which is often linked with depression and anxiety. And they often have underdiagnosed conditions like dementia, leading to confusion with depression or apathy.
Lastly, there may be language or cultural barriers, especially in diverse communities.
When these factors combine and stigma in senior care is present, then older adults may:
- Avoid seeking professional help
- Hide symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Withhold emotional distress from others
- Experience worsened outcomes due to untreated conditions
- Feel ashamed or guilty about their mental health struggles
How to Support Open Dialogue About Mental Health
Fortunately, there are ways to break the stigma. Here are the key ways you can assist your beloved seniors.
Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Your loved ones may feel uncomfortable talking about mental health because they're not used to it. So, make it a routine to ask about emotional health as it is to ask about blood pressure or medications.
Encourage discussion of past challenges and how they coped. You can even chime in with your own experiences so they don't feel as alone.
Avoid judgmental language, like "crazy" or "unstable." You should also use person-first language, such as "a person living with schizophrenia" instead of "a schizophrenic."
Provide Education on Mental Health in Aging
Mental health awareness isn't something that only seniors should learn about; their families should too. Everyone should understand that:
- Depression isn't a natural part of aging
- Therapy and medication are effective at all ages
- Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
The brochures, videos, or local seminars you use should be tailored to older adults. You can check with local libraries and senior centers to find free educational materials.
Foster Peer Support and Connection
Isolation can be both a cause and a consequence of mental health decline. To combat this, seniors need to be proactive in seeking connections.
You can assist by:
- Encouraging participation in local support groups or peer circles
- Promoting group hobbies (like book clubs, gardening, or art therapy)
- Suggesting local community centers or intergenerational events that build trust and reduce stigma
Strategies for Providing Emotional Care for Seniors
Besides open dialogue, you can also provide emotional care for your loved ones. Here are some strategies to try.
Integrate Mental Health Screenings Into Regular Care
Your beloved seniors may already get regular physical and vision checks, so take it one step further. Ask doctors to include depression and cognitive health screenings during those checkups.
You can also advocate for Medicare-covered annual wellness visits that include mental health evaluations.
Encourage Routine and Purpose
Retirement may seem great since older adults don't have to work anymore, but a lack of routine and purpose can contribute to depression.
To prevent this from happening, you can help your loved ones create a daily schedule. Include meaningful tasks or volunteer opportunities. They can do things like:
- Care for a pet
- Mentor a younger person
- Participate in civic life
Use Tampa's Natural Environment to Boost Mental Wellness
Tampa has a wealth of beautiful nature right in your own backyard. Take advantage of this to boost mental wellness.
You and your loved ones can take regular walks along:
- Bayshore Boulevard
- Curtis Hixon Park
- Tampa Riverwalk
Group outings can help elevate their mood too, which is excellent for assisted living well-being. Not only do these trips allow them to explore Tampa, but they also provide social interactions.
Not to mention, getting out in the sunshine and doing light exercise will benefit seniors as well. These things can significantly improve their mood and reduce anxiety.
Offer Tech Help to Stay Connected
It's not that older adults don't want to stay connected to people; in many cases, they struggle with new technology. They may feel like they're being left behind, and that the world is going on without them.
As part of memory care support, you should offer gentle training on Zoom, FaceTime, or social media. Show them how they can attend virtual support groups or teletherapy sessions. This can open up numerous new opportunities to stay engaged with others.
Help Your Loved Ones With Mental Health
Mental health stigma in older adults certainly won't disappear overnight. However, you can contribute to making small steps to create a more supportive environment.
Those who are able to should educate and advocate for older adults. And more importantly, you should be a compassionate listener for your beloved seniors.
When they realize that you're a safe person to open up to, it'll dramatically improve their lives. And as a result, they can fully enjoy their retirement.
Contact us today if you want to discuss senior living in Tampa, FL. Discovery Village Tampa Palms offers fully-furnished apartments with washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
