Almost 15% of seniors who are over 60 suffer from a mental disorder, according to information provided by the World Health Organization.
As individuals age, emotional challenges can become more complex, even in the welcoming city of Des Moines, IA. Many older adults face issues like grief, chronic illness, or cognitive changes. However, instead of reaching out for help, many seniors remain silent.
Mental health stigma keeps them from getting the support they need. Unpacking stigma's causes and effects is critical. Read on to learn about improving behavioral health in aging populations and more.
Mental health stigma refers to the negative assumptions or judgments people have about emotional or psychological challenges. Among older adults, these beliefs often stem from a lifetime of social conditioning.
Many seniors were raised to think that mental health struggles were a private matter or something to be ashamed of. Admitting to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or confusion was rarely encouraged, and professional help was often viewed as unnecessary or even shameful.
Views like this can prevent healing and other benefits of mental health help.
When mental health stigma goes unaddressed, the effects can be serious. Seniors who live with untreated depression or anxiety are more likely to experience isolation, poor physical health, and a diminished sense of purpose. Depression in older adults can lead to:
Stigma also affects how caregivers and healthcare providers respond to seniors' emotional health. In some cases, symptoms of depression or cognitive decline may be dismissed as "just part of getting older."
An assumption like this overlooks the importance of treating emotional wellness in seniors with the same care as physical conditions like arthritis or heart disease. Emotional health deserves just as much attention, especially since it plays a staple role in how older adults experience and enjoy daily life.
Several misconceptions continue to fuel mental health stigma among seniors. One common belief is that sadness or anxiety is simply expected in old age. While grief and life changes do occur, persistent emotional distress is not something that should be ignored.
Others believe that therapy or counseling won't help older adults, or that they're too set in their ways to benefit from mental health treatment. In reality, older adults often respond well to support when it's offered in a respectful, compassionate manner.
Many older adults pride themselves on being independent. As such, asking for support may feel like giving up one's willpower. Adopting a different perspective can help seniors embrace their emotional needs.
Education helps both seniors and their families understand that emotional wellness is an essential part of healthy aging. When people learn that depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes are medical concerns, not personal flaws, they're more likely to seek appropriate care.
Healthcare providers have an important role to play in this process. Regular screenings for emotional wellness should be part of routine medical visits for older adults. By asking questions about mood, energy levels, and mental clarity, doctors can help identify concerns early and guide patients toward helpful resources.
Community-based education also makes a difference. When emotional health is discussed openly in senior programs, workshops, and peer support groups, people can open up and take the weight off their shoulders.
Aging support systems are essential for promoting emotional wellness in seniors. Systems of this nature include:
When these networks encourage seniors to talk about their emotions, ask for help, and engage in meaningful activities, they reduce the stigma that so often surrounds mental health.
Support systems also offer structure. It can be especially important for seniors who are living alone or have recently experienced loss. When individuals feel connected, heard, and supported, they're less likely to withdraw or suffer in silence.
Programs that focus on group activities, emotional health education, and cognitive wellness help create a culture that values openness and empathy. Approaches like these show older adults that emotional support is:
For many seniors, living in a community environment can provide the emotional support they need to thrive. Communities like Addington Place of Des Moines focus on general well-being, which includes:
In a community setting, older adults are more likely to engage with others who understand their experiences. Having peers who are facing similar life transitions can lessen the feeling of being alone in one's struggles.
At Addington Place of Des Moines, the emphasis on respect, engagement, and compassion helps reduce the fear or embarrassment that some seniors feel about addressing mental health concerns. Emotional wellness is part of the overall lifestyle, not something treated as separate or taboo.
Family members play a significant role in how seniors experience and respond to emotional challenges. When families avoid discussing mental health or dismiss symptoms, they may unintentionally reinforce the stigma. However, when they ask questions, express concern, and offer support without judgment, they help their loved ones feel safe and valued.
Families can also help by learning to recognize the signs of emotional distress. If a loved one seems more withdrawn, forgetful, or irritable than usual, it may be time for a supportive conversation. Encouraging seniors to talk to a counselor, participate in group discussions, or try new activities can be the first step toward improved emotional wellness.
By ignoring mental health stigma, seniors can receive the care and resources they need to feel healthy and empowered.
Addington Place of Des Moines is where seniors come to thrive. Residents can express themselves with painting, relax in the garden, and always enjoy chef-prepared meals.
The only way to truly experience this wonderful senior community is by scheduling a nice, in-person tour.