Even in Greenville's vibrant downtown, where you are only a short walk from truly picturesque walks and trails, it can be hard for some to find beauty. For some, especially older generations, cultural barriers exist that can prevent them from discussing issues related to memory care and mental health, and even doctors often don't ask how they are doing.
This mental health stigma is a serious issue related to emotional wellness and aging that demands attention from anyone who has a loved one who might not talk about these things.
Below, we address this topic, discussing senior mental health in Greenville, NC, and the availability of support for older adults. Explore the relationship between aging and stigma, and how Greenville's community programs aim to address these issues.
Finally, learn how TerraBella Summit integrates creative memory care with other methods to help seniors foster stronger emotional wellness.
Southern pride is a powerful benefit to those who enjoy the culture of Greenville and the surrounding states. However, it can sometimes work too hard. That source of inner strength may be strong, but it can't cover anything, and to many it can cause them to believe that not being able to "tough it out" instead makes them "weak".
These beliefs are endemic, often passed down through generations, and exacerbated by senior family members not discussing their issues until they are at their worst. The mental toll of repressing feelings like this can then lead to hidden anxieties or sadness, impacting someone's physical health too.
Greenville and many surrounding areas have a long-standing legacy of self-reliance. Families have their own stories of hardship and independence that can seep into present-day culture, unfortunately contributing to the ongoing stigma.
When you celebrate strength, it is also essential to recognize the moments of weakness that have been endured and the support that was needed during those times. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen quite so much, with mental health downplayed. Instead, seniors build up an "emotional armor" that hides otherwise-treatable conditions, with individuals equating asking for support with real personal failure.
If you have ever seen someone say "I'm fine" when they really aren't, this is one example of this. When someone starts to open up, they are often dismissed or mocked, which can lead to further withdrawal. Eventually, these issues lead to the use of alcohol to help someone express themselves, which may lead to other problems.
In seniors, this may be described as:
Instead, a lack of positive language about depression and anxiety prevents people from talking about it. This result can lead to not only a worsening condition, but can also directly contribute to mental wellness risks, such as an increased chance of facing dementia.
One of the most potent ways to connect with someone is to simply engage with them when enjoying your daily routines or a shared experience. Sharing these activities provides numerous opportunities to discuss minor hardships, which can then lead to further conversations or "water-cooler moments" that offer a chance to open up and share.
Alternatively, a weekly meetup with a family member or friend over coffee can be more than a discussion of the latest piece of popular media. Discuss someone's life challenges and share your own emotional journey, normalizing the expression of emotions.
While you are not supposed to be a person's formal counselor, if someone is unable to express their emotions, they may end up bottling them up and not recognizing that they need help. They could even be extremely guilty and need a non-judgmental friend to help them express what they have held onto, and that person could be you.
If you have already discussed popular media, such as your favorite shows, you can use these to reflect on emotional moments or how they relate to your real life. Then, you can use the chance to help your loved one express themselves, too.
Numerous existing communities exist to help people discuss their issues. For example, if you are part of a faith group, you may have an opportunity to combine such expression with discussing your faith and how the two overlap. Alternatively, social groups exist that are open about their emotional journeys, which may not always be for everyone, but can provide some ideas on how to help your loved one.
If a senior is part of Terrabella Summit, we strive to integrate our Memory Care services with other initiatives to help individuals open up and engage. Using cognitive and mood programs, we aim to provide individuals with tools to foster creativity, enabling them to utilize their emotions in new ways and reduce agitation, particularly when someone is physically reacting to stress.
Plenty of art is an expression similarly; our Memory Care workshops and Celebrations events often use tactile art, music, or other forms of stimulation to try to trigger memories that may be useful to discuss. Our trained staff create safe and supportive environments where people can cultivate a sense of belonging with people whom they may be able to open up to over time.
Our staff then celebrate expressions of mindfulness and mental wellness, normalizing the handling of one's emotions in a way everyone can take encouragement from. When a person interacts with their family, they may have the tools necessary to communicate with them more effectively.
Taking small steps toward improving a loved one's mindset can help you begin the healing process. We try to leverage several tools to help build support networks and allow those in our care to express themselves, building up emotional fortitude instead of encouraging mental health stigma.
At TerraBella Summit, we offer 24-hour care in a pet-friendly senior living community. To learn more about our Memory Care workshops or to discover what else our community has to offer, please contact our staff to schedule a tour. We can show you the activities and workshops we provide and help you learn why this may be the perfect community for your loved one.