14% of Wisconsin seniors have had a depression diagnosis, which may be higher than expected since mental health is often something not talked about by this generation due to stigma.
However, this statistic underscores the need to take mental health seriously, because living a fulfilling and happy retirement in Cedarburg, WI, means feeling well in mind as well as body. So how does stigma affect mental health in seniors? We will take a closer look in this article.
Mental health stigma can be profound in aging adults. That's partly due to generational differences.
This generation may harbour stereotypes around mental illness, which can show up as feelings of shame if they experience mental health challenges, or a worry that they may be a burden if they speak out. The consequence is that a senior may not seek help or downplay symptoms, even when they start to feel worse, and it begins to impact their everyday life.
Coupled with this are assumptions from others about mental health and aging. Sometimes, symptoms are overlooked as "just part of getting old" rather than seen as a warning sign that something is awry.
Understanding this stigma is crucial in supporting and treating seniors facing mental health challenges. It's all about breaking down the barriers and assumptions that prevailed in the past and still exist in older generations today.
There are lots of ways mental health stigma can appear, but it isn't always obvious. Here are some signs that your loved one feels stigma around a mental health problem:
The key issue is whether symptoms are a one-off or consistent.Ongoing signs of low moods, irritability, or social withdrawal are warning signs that something isn't right.
If that happens, don't downplay it or hope things will get better on their own. It's often the time when you'll need to reach out to your loved one to see how you can help.
There are some mental health challenges that seniors are most likely to attach stigma to, so these are the high-risk conditions to watch for. They include dementia, depression, anxiety, and grief.
The fear of memory loss can preoccupy many seniors, and there is a temptation to underplay confusion or forgetfulness, rather than give it the medical attention it deserves.
Relatives may also want to avoid upsetting a loved one with talk of dementia if they notice signs of dementia or cognitive decline.
Depression can leave people feeling tired, isolated, and irritable. Yet, these are easy to dismiss as a straightforward low mood or a transitional symptom of aging and moving into retirement.
Recognizing depression is vital for treatment, and the most notable difference is that depressive symptoms tend to be more persistent.
Money or health worries in old age can lead to anxiety. These are real struggles, but seniors may be embarrassed to share their fears with loved ones.
Even with a major life change, such as losing a partner, a senior might try to silently work through the issue alone rather than ask for help, with loved ones assuming they are coping.
If a senior's mental health symptoms go unnoticed or they are reluctant to get help, the situation can worsen. Here are some of the consequences of delayed support.
When a mental health diagnosis is delayed, symptoms can worsen.What starts as cognitive symptoms could extend to physical ones, such as insomnia, weight changes, and fatigue. This has a more noticeable impact on day-to-day life, including relationships and daily routines.
It's hard to witness someone struggling with mental health challenges, and it can strain relationships. Undiagnosed conditions could put pressure on loved ones and caregivers. It could lead to burnout and stress.
One of the symptoms of depression is that it can make it harder to get through the day and keep up with your responsibilities. That can have an impact on the more practical aspects of a person's life, such as paying bills, remembering birthdays, or attending healthcare appointments.
It can be hard to break down stigmas that have been a core belief for someone for many decades. But it's crucial to mental well-being.
Conversations about mental health are hard if your loved one stigmatizes the condition. Nevertheless, you can take other approaches to help them. For example, you can arrange family get-togethers and social activities to help counter the risk of isolation and withdrawal.
You can also give them moral support when it comes to attending medical appointments. Above all else, make sure you are there to listen, not judge. If your loved one opens up, offer compassion and patience.
The other key piece of the puzzle when it comes to mental health support for seniors is having the right environment.
Senior living communities are excellent for the well-being of older adults because they offer a preventive approach to mental health conditions.For example, there are numerous on-site social events to make life fulfilling and encourage connections with peers.
There are also caring and professional staff who can observe a senior's well-being and know when to step in and offer more professional medical support, such as counseling or group therapy.
So how does stigma affect mental health? The quick answer is that it can delay treatment and worsen symptoms. It's why conversations and a proactive approach to mental wellness are crucial.
Choosing a caring senior living community that prioritizes wellness is the first step in caring for your mental health in retirement. At Lakehouse Cedarburg, we offer personalized, expert care, enriching daily wellness activities, and a close-knit, pet-friendly community. For more information on what we offer, book a tour to see our amenities.