What Is Stigma in Mental Health and How It Affects Seniors

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, around one in six seniors suffers from a mental health disorder? Many factors contribute to that statistic, notably that seniors are much more likely to experience loneliness and isolation compared to other demographics.

What is stigma in mental health, and why is it important to understand how it affects seniors in Loveland, CO? Read on to learn more. 

What Is Stigma? 

Stigma is an umbrella term for a set of attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that are negatively associated with a person or group of people due to prevailing prejudices or stereotypes. Although there is no specific criterion for stigma, it often stems from factors such as: 

• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• Personality characteristics
• Demographics

Forms of Stigma 

Three primary forms of stigma impact different groups and manifest in various ways, depending on the individual or group being stigmatized. Let's take a look at each one:

Public Stigma 

Public stigma refers to the broadly accepted stereotypes regarding certain types of conditions and individuals. Stigma around public appearance can include television and media portrayals, and how they contribute to the broader view of mentally ill individuals. 

The perception that individuals with mental illness are dangerous and aggressive is also a result of public stigma. Due to increased focus on violent individuals, a stereotype formed that associates those with mental illness with increased violence and aggression. 

Due to centuries of social exclusion, public stigma still exists around including those with mental illness in everyday life and activities. Social avoidance is often the unfortunate result of this stigma. 

Self-Stigma

Self-stigma can be severely damaging and difficult to escape. Self-stigma originates inside the victim, as internalized negativity surrounding perceived prejudices and stereotypes. 

Self-stigma can lead to increased isolation and reluctance to seek help, causing the sufferer to spiral even further. Additionally, self-stigma can be further perpetuated by other stigmas, such as social stigma. An individual may experience social stigma and internalize it as self-stigma, creating more of a problem. 

Institutional Stigma

Similar to public stigma, institutional stigma refers more to organizations and structures of society, rather than just general societal perception. Institutional stigma often relates to legislation and policy that dictate the rights of mentally ill individuals. 

What Is Stigma in Mental Health for Seniors? 

There are many specific examples of stigma in mental health as it applies to seniors. Here are some of the stigmas seniors may face in regards to mental health and aging. 

Downgrading and Stigmatizing Language Toward Seniors

Since cognitive decline tends to accelerate in your senior years, people often interpret this as seniors losing their mental faculties. With this comes a lack of respect and the use of simple or babying language toward seniors. 

Even for seniors with dementia, it is still important to treat them with respect and dignity. You can use familiar language without a patronizing tone or word choice. 

Reluctance to Seek Help

Older folks often feel the need to exercise increased independence, especially as they begin to lose it. Maintaining authority over their mental health is one element of their lives that they still have complete control over. 

Consequently, seniors may hesitate to seek help for mental health problems. They may fear judgment from people in their lives, such as: 

• Professionals
• Peers
• Friends
• Family 

Look for signs that your loved one may want assistance with their mental health. Subtle clues may include casually bringing it up in conversation or inquiring about a therapist. 

Negative Attitude and Low Self-Esteem

Self-stigma can affect seniors as much as other types of stigma. Mental health and aging can take a toll on both the mind and body, leading to decreased self-confidence and lowered self-esteem. 

Decreased self-worth may lead seniors to believe they are undeserving of help, and a negative attitude will only reinforce that belief, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break.

Limited Access to Resources

Seniors are often on a fixed income, meaning they may have limited funds to invest in mental health treatment. Some forms of therapy and other treatment methods are covered by insurance, but many aren't. 

Additionally, limitations on mobility and transportation can hinder access to other resources. Although the virtual space has expanded greatly in recent years, many seniors prefer to access services in person, without the hassle of newer technology.

The lack of emotional support for seniors is also a contributing factor. Family and friends may not realize that their loved one needs help or access to resources that can improve their mental health.  

Consequences of Stigma for Seniors

Unfortunately, there are many negative consequences of stigma against seniors. They primarily impact the health and well-being of seniors, rather than those around them. 

Delayed Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment

When seniors avoid seeking help due to stigma, mental health conditions will inevitably worsen. Anxiety disorders can cause sufferers to spiral and deal with upsetting symptoms, while depression may lead to malaise and even suicidal ideation. 

The longer the negative symptoms go on, the more difficult treatment will be when they finally decide it is time to get help. For those who are severely ill, more drastic treatment may be required.

Loneliness and Isolation

Seniors are already a demographic more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. Lack of opportunities for socialization and transportation is a huge contributor to seniors' inability to foster meaningful connections in their golden years. 

Even in assisted living communities and memory care programs, loneliness can persist. Memory care and mood greatly affect each other, depending on how often the patients receive opportunities to engage with others. 

Reducing Stigma in Older Adults at Stoneridge at Centerra

In this article, we have answered the question, "What is stigma in mental health?" With this guide, you can combat stigma in mental health and engage in senior behavioral health awareness. 

Known as "Loveland's Best Assisted Living and Memory Care," the dedicated staff at Stoneridge at Centerra ensures the mental health of our seniors is prioritized. We offer a variety of amenities aimed at fostering a positive experience, including a salon and day spa, restaurant-style dining, and a 24-hour fitness center for your enjoyment. 

Is your loved one ready to make the move into a premier assisted living and memory care community? Check out our floor plans and schedule a tour of our beautiful community in Loveland, CO. We can't wait to meet you!