In the U.S., approximately 15% of adults who are 50 or older suffer from some kind of mental health disorder. Unfortunately, the stigma of mental health is strong and keeps many from getting the help they need.
Although the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit is a great area to spend your time as a senior, mental health struggles can put a damper on things. Breaking the stigma of mental health and learning to openly talk about your struggles is essential for living a life of wellness as a senior.
Ready to learn more? In this aging and stigma guide, we'll take a closer look at mental health stigma and discuss why it's so important to break it.
The stigma regarding mental health in seniors is real and can make a big impact on the lives of adults who are aging. Many seniors fail to get the help they need and live their best lives because they feel that they're being judged, and they feel ashamed that they're struggling with certain mental health issues.Overcoming mental health stigma and contributing to mental health awareness is essential, both for seniors living on their own and for seniors living in senior communities.
Learning how to reserve judgment of others and of yourself is essential for breaking the stigma of mental health and is well worth the effort. By putting in the effort to start thinking about common mental health issues in healthier ways, you can become more comfortable and supportive living around others who are suffering from mental health issues. You'll also feel more comfortable getting treatment for your own mental health struggles as well.
Moving past the stigma of mental health isn't easy, but it can make a big impact. Here are some of the reasons why it's so important to start eliminating the mental health stigma as a senior or someone with aging parents.
By breaking the mental health stigma, mental health issues can be identified early on, before disorders and conditions progress into deeper problems. Caregivers, family members, and seniors themselves will become more skilled at remaining aware and can more easily spot any problems that are present.
With this early identification of issues, challenges can be overcome more easily, and the proper help and treatment that's needed will be clearer.
A senior community should be accepting and caring, and as part of this, challenging the mental health stigma is essential. Coping with change can be difficult, and seniors are faced with a variety of mental health difficulties, including:
By putting in the effort to understand what others are going through and by making it acceptable to talk about mental health issues candidly, senior communities will improve as well. By breaking the mental health stigma, a great senior community will flourish, and seniors will be encouraged to get the mental health treatment and guidance they need.
Greater acceptance of mental health concerns will help to foster better communication among all relevant parties.A senior will be able to discuss their needs more openly with loved ones, friends, and caregivers without worrying about being judged.
This can help everyone get on the same page and allow seniors to feel a stronger connection to others as they take steps to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Seniors who aren't burdened by mental health stigma will be more willing to get the support they need and to reach out when it's necessary to do so. They can make use of the mental health resources that are available to them and can work with therapists and counselors to better manage their symptoms and the root causes of any mental health disorders that they face.
People of all ages often feel hesitant to seek external help. By erasing the mental health stigma, it will become easier for seniors to utilize mental health resources and get the help they need.
Although there are many things that go into ensuring a senior has a high quality of life as they age, effectively managing mental health is one of the most essential. By moving past the mental health stigma, seniors will feel more at ease and have better moods, allowing them to enjoy each day that comes without being burdened by inner turmoil.
With improved mental wellness in senior care, seniors will have a great time enjoying themselves, whether they live in a senior living community or on their own.
Seniors who have mental health disorders and face challenges regarding their mood often have attitudes and biases themselves that inhibit them from seeking senior emotional support and taking the steps to make changes in their lives. The best way that you can help break the stigma of mental health in seniors is to eliminate it from yourself first.
Denying issues or feeling ashamed and embarrassed that you're facing mental health challenges can put you on an endless hamster wheel. Changing your beliefs regarding mental health can help you view your own problems and issues in a clearer light. Behavioral health education can help you gain the motivation to improve your situation and adopt better ways of handling mental health challenges.
Breaking the stigma of mental health is important for older adults who want to maintain a great quality of life as they age. By putting in the effort to overcome biases and speak openly about mental health concerns, seniors will live healthier and happier lives.
If you're looking for a great home as a senior, consider Addington Place of Lee's Summit. With fantastic amenities, great floor plans, and a welcoming community, we have everything you need.
Interested in learning more about senior living in Lee's Summit, MO? Get in touch with us now to discover more about what our community offers older adults.