Did you know that as many as 20% of older people experience a mental health issue at some stage, according to the CDC? Despite this high number, there is still much stigma attached to mental health in the older generations.
In a retirement-friendly community like McKinney, Texas, living a full and happy retirement means managing your mental and physical health. Stigmas surrounding the topic can become a silent crisis. Here's what you need to know about breaking the stigma of mental health and accessing the right support.
Most of us are aware of the importance of physical health as we age, and the risks that arise when health begins to decline. Mental health is often overlooked, yet it is equally important.Lots of issues that happen in later life can impact your emotional well-being, such as:
If these issues are left to linger, they can snowball and become problems such as depression and anxiety. That's why understanding mental health is vital, which includes knowing when to seek help.
Though every senior is unique, some common challenges appear in later life. Knowing what to look for can help you get the right assistance and avoid ignoring the symptoms. The most common mental health issues faced by seniors include:
Sometimes these can appear without warning, like grief, whereas others will show early symptoms, like Alzheimer's. It's always important to look for early warning signs and not dismiss them as a natural part of aging.
Early warning signs of mental health issues in the elderly include:
If you recognize these signs in a loved one, it's essential to take a compassionate approach and avoid being too confrontational. Try to gently encourage your loved one to book an appointment with a professional who can conduct a thorough examination and assess their symptoms.
They can also rule out underlying physical and health conditions that may be causing these issues.
While many of us may consider mental health awareness to have improved in the past few decades, there is a generational divide.
Some older people still feel worried or embarrassed about admitting to a mental health condition, so it's essential to understand this when taking steps to help a loved one. Some fear they may be judged as weak for succumbing to emotional turmoil, rather than seeing it as part of an underlying health issue.
Coupled with stigma is the tendency not to talk about feelings, and that silence can often delay the start of treatment because people avoid talking about potential symptoms and the need for treatment.
It's vital to understand the barriers faced by older people and how important it is to break the stigma and create a safe environment where seniors feel they can express their thoughts and worries openly.
One of the best ways to support mental health and reduce stigma is through ongoing support and social connections, and that's why communities can be invaluable.
Connecting with others helps combat loneliness, and it allows seniors to get more opportunities to strike up conversations with like-minded peers. This can often be one of the best ways to talk about worries, fears, or moods, without the stigma of a more formal mental health conversation.
It's also a chance to form friendships, and having a trusted neighbor in a senior living community can be the first step to talking honestly about an emerging mental health problem.
In addition, senior communities like ours at Redbud Place offer regular community events and activities that help seniors connect, stay active, and engage with others. It can help seniors protect their mental health.
Family members can often find it difficult to broach the subject of mental health with an aging relative, but it's essential to try. A few small steps towards a conversation are always a good starting point.
Focus on taking a compassionate approach, seeing things from your loved one's perspective rather than trying to immediately fix everything for them. Gently discuss the positives and negatives of their day or week, and any issues that might be worrying them.
Offer a safe space where you listen to your loved one without judgment, and you'll find that they may become more open to talking to you about how they are feeling.
If you are in a senior living community in McKinney, like our Redbud Place community, staff are often a sensible first step in seeking help for a mental health concern. You'll also find plenty of professional support available in McKinney and the surrounding area.
When searching for professional counselling, aim to find someone who specializes in the type of mental health challenge you face, such as a grief counselor after the loss of a loved one.
You will also find professionals with geriatric expertise who can advise on mental health issues that may be unique to this generation, like progressive memory loss. It's also worth searching for local group sessions and therapy workshops that help support your loved one's emotional well-being.
Sometimes, a simple therapy session can be enough to help someone with early signs of a mental health challenge like anxiety or depression.
Wellness encompasses more than just physical fitness in old age. It's about being mentally well. Breaking the stigma of mental health is the first step to getting support.
At Redbud Place Assisted Living, wellness is at the heart of everything we do.
Whether it's participating in social activities, attending therapeutic workshops, or engaging in other fun community events, our caring team ensures that all our residents receive the support they need for their well-being. Book a tour now to discover more about what's on offer in our senior living community.