The topic of mental health is being discussed with increasing frequency. Yet, it is still an immensely challenging area, one that is associated with considerable assumptions and stigma.
Much of the stigma comes from the way that mental illness has been traditionally viewed. The media has often painted people with a mental illness as dangerous, violent and unpredictable. This can make mental illness seem terrifying, something that people do not want to associate with.
Conditions like depression and anxiety are often viewed through the lens of normality. As a result, many people feel that suffers would be fine if they tried a little harder or focused on the positive.
Yet, mental health remains a significant issue.
The Prevalence of Mental Illness
The World Health Organization reports that more than 20% of people aged 60 and above have a neurological or mental disorder. Furthermore, 6.6% of disability among this population is associated with such disorders.
Seniors also face a variety of stressors and challenges that may increase the risk of mental health issues. These include experiences like bereavement, a decline in social status (due to income change with retirement), mobility challenges, chronic pain, isolation and ongoing physical health issues.
The risk of mental health issues is significant for caregivers as well and they face many potential risk factors. For example, caregivers often find that their physical health declines due to caregiving. It is also a high-stress role, where support and social contact is often lacking.
These factors mean that seniors and caregivers need to be particularly aware of mental health issues and seek help early. Yet, in reality, this often doesn’t happen.
Instead, mental health issues are frequently underdiagnosed. The symptoms may often be attributed to other conditions or the side effects of medication. Likewise, many people with mental health challenges are hesitant to admit the problem, let alone seek health.
Mental Health Stigma
The stigma surrounding mental health is significant in society and in individuals.
Many people feel that mental illness is an indication of weakness, of failure on their part. There’s often this sense that if the person tried a little harder, they would be fine.
Yet, mental health doesn’t work like that.
Conditions like anxiety and depression affect people from all walks of life. They can occur in people with horrible living situations and many stressors, and also in people whose lives appear ideal.
In many ways, people with mental health conditions are strong, as they fight daily battles with their own mind. This type of challenge doesn’t make sense to people on the outside.
The internal stigma is concerning, as it is a key reason that people don’t seek help.
Instead, suffers often try to force their way through it and to ignore the condition. That practice often results in the condition worsening over time.
To make matters worse, seeking treatment isn’t always enough.
The stigma in society is also significant. Patients sometimes find that mental health problems are treated dismissively or that there isn’t enough funding to provide the support that they need.
In other cases, the treatment provided may simply be in the form of medication, which is often not enough on its own. Medication is also not the best treatment for all situations, especially as therapy can be a valuable tool.
These patterns make it important to persist in looking for treatment and support, even when it seems difficult. This is something that you may need to do as a caregiver if you’re concerned about the mental health of a family member.
If you are concerned about your own mental health, then it is often worth enlisting the help of someone else as an additional support. For example, when I seriously looked into medication for depression, I had a friend with me every step of the way. I know that I couldn’t have managed that process without the additional support.
The Importance of Treatment
Untreated mental health conditions can have devastating impacts. They can sometimes lead to dangerous behaviors, including self-harm, substance abuse disorders and even suicide.
There is also a relationship between mental health and physical health. Poor mental health can affect the outcomes of physical conditions.
The behaviors associated with some mental health conditions, like depression, may also increase the risk of physical conditions. For example, people with untreated depression are often less active, may get too little (or too much) sleep and may have problems with eating.
Support and treatment may not necessarily resolve all issues, but it remains important for promoting health. This is true for anyone with mental health challenges, including caregivers and seniors. Addressing the conditions early can reduce the risk of severe negative outcomes and help people to find the best support for their needs.
Leave a Reply