Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in Senior Living
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The National Council on Aging reports that nearly one in four seniors suffers from some form of mental illness. This means millions of older folks struggle with their mental health every single day.
Stigma is a primary reason those with mental illness fear seeking treatment. The solution? Breaking the stigma of mental health. For seniors in La Quinta, CA, this can mean the difference between failure and success for mental health treatment.
In this article, we will address common mental health stigmas and how to combat them to support optimal mental health. Let's get started.
Common Mental Health Stigmas
There are many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding those with mental illness. Here are just a few of the most common stigmas.
Mental Illness Is a Personal Failing
In our individualistic society, character flaws are often attributed to mortal failings or lack of motivation. However, when it comes to mental illness, this assumption simply isn't true.
Mental illness is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. It is often genetic or the result of trauma, neither of which puts the blame on the victim.
It is important to remember that mental illness does not discriminate based on factors such as financial status or privilege. When you begin to feel like you are failing due to your mental illness, give yourself grace.
Individuals With Mental Illness Are Unemployed
Millions of people suffer from mental illness. Most of the time, conditions such as anxiety and depression are the culprits, but they are very manageable with the right course of treatment.
Individuals with mental illnesses are perfectly capable of holding down and succeeding in their careers. Sometimes, they may require workplace accommodations, but they often perform just as efficiently as their colleagues.
An article by Rethink Mental Illness presented the idea that the so-called "mental health culture" is not to blame for rising unemployment rates in the United States.
The Mentally Ill Are Violent
It is easy to assume that those who are mentally ill are inherently violent or aggressive. After all, clips on the evening news or headlines often depict those suffering from severe schizophrenia or other rare types of mental illness.
Unhoused individuals often contribute to this stigma. It is important to remember that these individuals represent a small fraction of those with mental illness, and they often face difficult circumstances that exacerbate aggressive symptoms.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
To combat stigmas and assumptions around seniors' mental health, it is vital to work on breaking them. Here are some tactics to implement in your daily life to encourage conversations about mental health and combat common misconceptions about mental illness.
Have Open Conversations
Bringing mental health issues out into the open helps demystify them. It shows others that they are a common experience and that conversations surrounding mental health are vital.
Focus on Education
Education is the most effective tool against ignorance. When those around you mention false narratives or stereotypes, keep facts on hand as evidence of the truth regarding mental health.
Host or attend educational seminars. Learn from experts in the field and encourage others to do so as well. Find videos online to watch and stay updated with innovations in the field.
Work With a Therapist
When you hold stigmas against yourself in regards to mental illnesses, these can be some of the most difficult to break. If discussing with others or consulting resources on your own does not help, it may be time to work with a qualified mental health professional.
A therapist is trained to help you rewire negative thought patterns and replace them with healthy coping mechanisms. Retraining your mind to transition from negative to positive can do wonders for your mental health and help you to have a more optimal outlook.
The type of treatment you receive largely depends on your unique situation. Your therapist will likely evaluate your first session to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Some of the most common types of therapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most common type of therapy, the goal of CBT is to reduce the severity of common mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, through changing thought patterns.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Ideal for patients processing trauma, this type of therapy aims to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions related to trauma.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Focused mainly on problem-solving methods, this treatment is good for people with behavioral disorders.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: The mental health professional uses your past experiences and feelings to identify patterns that influence their course of treatment.
Teletherapy
You can attend therapy sessions in person or virtually. For seniors residing in assisted living, a virtual option may be easier, especially if you have mobility or transportation issues. You can meet via phone or video chat, depending on your preference.
Group Therapy
If you wish to meet with others in similar circumstances, you may benefit from group therapy, especially regarding assisted living and stigma. Group therapy is also a more affordable option for those who may have a tighter budget in regards to mental health treatment.
Check to see if there are any groups in your area that focus on mental health for seniors. If not, consider starting one in your assisted living or memory care community.
Mental Wellness at La Quinta
Breaking the stigma of mental health in seniors can benefit both the mentally ill and those advocating for them. With this guide, you can educate yourself about senior emotional care and apply solutions to your everyday life.
If you're looking for a community that prioritizes behavioral support in aging, consider The Palms at La Quinta. Our premier community provides both assisted living and memory care, making it an ideal choice for those concerned about dementia and mental health. We offer amenities for our residents, such as community kitchens, a fully-equipped exercise room, and a library, all to cultivate a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
Are you interested in learning more about what The Palms at La Quinta has to offer? Schedule a tour of our community. We can't wait to meet you!