Breaking Stigmas and Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Older Adults

Older Americans Month is recognized every May to honor and celebrate their contributions to our community. May not only marks Older Americans Month but also Mental Health Awareness Month with May 2nd being specifically Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day, providing a significant opportunity to address the intersection of mental well-being and aging. As we dedicate this month to raising awareness and understanding of mental health, it’s crucial to shine a light on the prevalent stigma that older adults often face in relation to mental health challenges.

In Jewish values, honoring and respecting older adults is deeply engrained, and is reflected in JCS’s core values, “Kibud Av V’Em,” (honoring thy Father and Mother) and “Tikkun Olam,”(repairing the world). These values emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for older adults, as well as advocating for their well-being. However, despite these values, older adults in our community still face stigmas, especially concerning mental health. These stigmas can be particularly harmful, as they may face additional barriers towards their overall well-being. Being resistant to seeking help for mental health issues or simply thinking they are experiencing “normal aging”, when they might be exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other conditions. These misconceptions can prevent older adults from accessing the support and resources (linked below) they need and lead to underdiagnosis and overlooked treatments of mental health disorders.

By breaking stigmas surrounding mental health in older adults, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue, destigmatizes seeking help, and promotes overall well-being. This involves challenging ageist beliefs about mental health, advocating for culturally competent supports that acknowledge the diverse experiences of older adults, and providing accessible resources and services tailored to their needs.

During Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, let us unite in breaking down barriers and fostering a society where older adults feel empowered to prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment or discrimination. How do you #PrioritizeYourMentalHealth? We want to hear from you! Share your experience anonymously by clicking here. Whether about your experience seeking counseling or support groups, ways you prioritize your mental health, or anything else you want the community to know, your story can help break the stigma about mental health! We’ll feature submissions on our social media platforms throughout the month to bring awareness and spark vital conversations about prioritizing mental health as we age.

If you are struggling with your mental health, JCS has a counseling center with clinicians specializing in older adults. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 401.331.1244 or by emailing Emily@jcsri.org. Those needing immediate emergency mental health support should contact the BH Link at 401-414-5465 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free helpline, and confidential resource for veterans of all ages and circumstances. Call 988, then press 1; text 838255; or chat online to connect with 24/7 support.

JCS resources for Older Adults

The Counseling Center: Mental Health Support
The Senior Café: Daily Activities and Lunch for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
Jewish Eldercare: Friendly Visits for seniors at home or Nursing homes.
LifeLink RI: Emergency Response Button
Tamarisk Senior Living: Assisted living and memory care with enriched activities
Shalom Apartments: Affordable housing for older adults and adults with disabilities.

Visit JCSRI.org for more programs and services.

Community Resources for Aging and Older Adult Mental Health: (All will be linked)