Mental health struggles are more common than you may think. In fact, in the United States alone, almost 60 million adults have faced a mental illness in the past year, according to Mental Health America.
So why is there a stigma around mental health that leaves many older adults without a diagnosis and the care they need?
Mental health matters at every age, but many seniors grew up in a time when it was rarely discussed and often overlooked. Unfortunately, that way of thinking still affects individuals today, making it hard for them to open up about:
Understanding this stigma and its impact is the first step toward changing the conversation and promoting the emotional well-being of seniors in Asheboro, NC.
Keep reading to learn more.
Even today, stigma creates real barriers for people who face mental health challenges. Some of the main reasons include:
Breaking this stigma requires education, open conversations, and compassion to help change how society still views mental health.
In seniors, mental health challenges don't always look the way people expect. Instead of talking openly about their feelings, older adults may show signs by:
Because these subtle signs are easy to overlook, awareness is crucial. Senior emotional wellness includes more than just managing clinical conditions, and senior living communities effectively approachthis by focusing on creating an environment that helps them address:
If you're concerned about a loved one's mental health, here are signs to watch for in key areas.
Emotional and social indicators:
Behavioral changes may include:
Physical symptoms without a clear cause:
Red flags that need immediate attention:
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward getting the correct help.
Conversation plays a crucial role in reducing loneliness and supporting the mental health of seniors. Here's how.
Meaningful conversations help seniors feel recognized and valued as individuals. Even small interactions can ease loneliness and remind them they are not alone.
When seniors feel safe sharing their feelings, they're more likely to open up about struggles. This trust enables early intervention when necessary.
Open conversations about mental health make it easier for seniors to express themselves without shame. Normalizing these discussions helps reduce feelings of isolation.
At TerraBella Asheboro, we provide personalized assisted living and memory care services to meet the different needs of our residents, promoting dignity and fostering meaningful connections. Our programs focus on emotional care for residents through:
Our resident-centered assisted living experience is designed for seniors who want to maintain their independence but need some additional daily help.
Professional 24/7 care services include the following:
Residents enjoy comfortable one-bedroom pet-friendly apartments and a wide range of amenities that include:
You can join in daily social activities and wellness programs that include:
Our SHINE® Memory Care program offers specialized, person-centered services for seniors with memory-related conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
This nationally certified program, recognized by the Alzheimer's Association®, uses the latest research to enhance:
Our trained team personalizes care plans that focus on preserving residents' dignity and strengths. Along with a structured environment, emotional support in memory care services helps residents benefit from daily sensory-rich activities that bring comfort, creativity, and routine, such as:
Family mental health guidance offers assistance for navigating the emotional changesthat often accompany the aging process. Support can come from senior living communities, healthcare providers, or counseling services, providing families with the tools to have open conversations and feel confident in offering help when needed.
Education is key. Families who learn about common mental health challenges in seniors, like depression, anxiety, or dementia, are better equipped to start the conversation and respond with patience and understanding.
Mental health struggles affect many older adults, which makes the question "Why is there a stigma around mental health?" so important. By understanding how these challenges often show up in subtle ways, family members and caregivers can better recognize the signs and provide the care seniors need.
TerraBella Asheboro offers award-winning Assisted Living and SHINE® Memory Care programson one convenient campus, providing personalized care that adapts as needs change. Our residents enjoy 24/7 assistance, superior amenities, and a vibrant lifestyle filled with social events and wellness activities. Contact us to learn how we support residents' emotional well-being and independence.