11 Tips to Encourage Seniors
to Open Up About Mental Health
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to reflect on the significance of mental health in all stages of life. Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting resources and support for those in need. While discussing mental health can be challenging for anyone, it can be especially difficult for seniors. Factors such as generational stigma, feelings of isolation, and physical health issues often make it harder for older adults to open up about their mental health struggles.
Recognizing these challenges, our expert Area Directors—Amanda Lankford from Middle Tennessee, Erin Rees from San Diego, California, and Jonda Pacillas from Crystal Coast, North Carolina—have shared their valuable insights and practical tips on how to help seniors feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Their advice highlights the importance of building trust, creating safe spaces, and showing genuine empathy. Read on to discover how these experts foster open, supportive conversations about their mental well-being with seniors.
- Establish Rapport: Spend time getting to know the senior and letting them get to know you. Building a solid connection is key to making them feel comfortable sharing their feelings.
- Be Patient and Genuine: Show genuine interest in their life and experiences. Patience and sincerity help form a bond of trust.
- Create a Safe Space: Ensure the environment is non-judgmental and welcoming. Seniors are more likely to open up when they feel safe and understood.
- Respond Kindly: Avoid reacting harshly or with judgment to anything they share. Kindness and openness encourage more honest conversations.
- Self-Report Appropriately: Share your feelings or struggles when appropriate. This can help normalize their experiences and make them feel less isolated.
- Use Empathetic Language: Frame questions to show understanding and empathy. For example, “Often when someone is dealing with the loss of a spouse, they experience feelings of depression or anxiety. Is this something you’re dealing with?”
- Learn Their Story: Take the time to understand their history and life experiences. Ask about their upbringing, family, career, and social life.
- Spend Quality Time: Engage with them in environments they enjoy, whether at home or in a casual setting outside. This helps in building a deeper connection.
- Listen Without Judgment: Be a friend first, offering a listening ear without judgment. Understanding their past can provide insights into their current state of mind.
- Find Common Ground: Discover shared interests or experiences to create a sense of camaraderie. This common ground fosters trust and opens the door to more meaningful conversations.
- Plan of Care Together: Once a strong relationship is established, work together to figure out a plan of care. This collaborative approach ensures they feel valued and supported.
