In 2020, KFF found that nearly one in four seniors reported having anxiety or depression. This statistic shows that mental health stigma may be silencing our seniors when they need support most.
If you're in senior living in Los Angeles, CA, this silence can be isolating. It can stop you from accessing the care and participating in community activities that can improve your quality of life.
Luckily, senior care communities in Los Angeles are breaking the stigma of mental health by having conversations that matter. Below is a guide that explores the ins and outs of mental health stigma among seniors.
Breaking the stigma of mental health among seniors starts with understanding why it exists. When you understand why aging and stigma go hand-in-hand, you can create better support systems for your loved ones. Let's explore the real reasons behind mental health stigma.
A lot of seniors grew up in a completely different world when it came to discussing emotions and mental health. Talking about feelings was often seen as weakness or self-indulgence.
Most of them were taught to handle mental health problems like depression privately. This upbringing created lasting beliefs about things that should remain hidden.
Many seniors still carry these childhood messages into their golden years. They learned early that strong people don't complain or ask for help with emotional struggles.
Senior emotional health discussions often trigger fears. Older adults worry about specific consequences that can dramatically impact their lives. The fear of being labeled creates several concerns for seniors, such as:
These aren't irrational fears. Many seniors have witnessed people face these consequences after looking for mental health support.
Behavioral wellness for seniors often conflicts with deeply cultural and religious beliefs of people. Different backgrounds create barriers to seeking mental health support.
Some cultures emphasize family honor and avoiding shame. Admitting to mental health struggles may feel like bringing disgrace to the entire family. Other cultural backgrounds teach that suffering builds character and should be endured silently.
Religious beliefs can also create complications. Some seniors worry that depression or anxiety means they lack faith or aren't trusting God enough. They may feel guilty about their emotional struggles instead of recognizing them as treatable medical conditions.
Many seniors received very little education about mental health during their formative years. As a result, older adults may not recognize the symptoms of:
They may attribute these feelings to normal aging or physical health problems. This knowledge gap creates barriers to accepting elder care support for emotional wellness. Without proper education, they can't identify when professional help may be needed.
For decades, asking for help with emotional struggles felt impossible for many seniors. Fortunately, conversations about mental health awareness are becoming more open and supportive. Here's how we're breaking mental health stigma in senior living.
A Crucial Learning study found that nine in ten people felt unsafe expressing themselves recently. A lot of seniors fail to speak up because they lack a safe space. Senior living communities in Los Angeles, CA, are changing the approach to senior emotional health discussions.
Instead of treating mental health as a taboo topic, these communities are making it part of everyday wellness conversations. Some of the strategies they use include:
This comprehensive approach creates an environment where seniors feel heard and understood. When information is shared openly, it removes the fear that often surrounds mental health topics.
You can break down stigma by hearing from someone who's experienced the same mental health challenges as you. Aging and stigma reduction happen most effectively when seniors share their mental health journeys with fellow residents.
Peer support groups create powerful connections between residents who tend to struggle alone. When someone shares how counseling helped them adjust, it allows others to get similar help.
These programs work because they feel natural. Seniors connect over shared experiences during casual conversations in dining rooms or activity spaces. This organic approach makes searching for help feel normal instead of shameful.
Behavioral wellness for seniors improves when families understand and support mental health care. Many communities now offer educational programs for family members.
These sessions help families recognize signs that their loved ones may need professional support. They also teach family members how to have supportive conversations about mental health without accidentally supporting old stigmas.
When families demonstrate openness about mental wellness, it permits seniors to explore these topics themselves. This generational shift in attitudes creates positive ripple effects in the family.
Senior living communities bring elder care support directly to residents. As a senior, you can get mental wellness support by accessing convenient senior care. Residents at Calligraphy Westwood Village don't have to hassle to get help.
Breaking the stigma of mental health requires open conversations. When seniors feel safe and supported discussing their feelings, they're more likely to seek help and improve their emotional health.
At Calligraphy Westwood Village, we have Viva Life Enrichmentâ programs, where residents can engage in evidence-based activities designed to support mental health balance. From mindfulness meditation sessions to therapeutic art workshops, we provide creative outlets for processing life transitions.
Contact us to learn about our comprehensive approach to mental wellness.