Breaking the Stigma: Why Mental Health Matters at Every Age

June 6, 2025

Stigma, or negative beliefs, stereotypes, and/or attitudes about a certain characteristic, is one of the main reasons people don’t receive the mental health care they need and deserve [1]. Negative attitudes toward mental health that have been present for hundreds of years stop people from treating their mental health conditions or even acknowledging that conditions exist. This blog post will explain how we can collectively break the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as highlight its importance across all ages.

The Importance of Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence

In many ways, our childhoods shape who we become in adulthood. Mental health issues are often rooted in trauma [2] and unhelpful/negative core beliefs [3] developed in childhood. Although we can change in adulthood, many may find it difficult to shake memories, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and core beliefs they developed during childhood and adolescence. Or, they may be unaware of the impact their childhood had on their mental health altogether.

When mental health issues aren’t treated during childhood, they may carry into adulthood and even get worse. Studies have shown that children who experience mental health issues often have lower life satisfaction and poorer mental and physical health as adults [4]. An array of mental health issues can occur during childhood and adolescence, but some of the most common include anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and eating disorders [5]. Although these disorders are not easy for the child or their caretakers to manage, they can be treated. And the earlier you intervene, the better [6]. Talking about mental health with children, looking out for signs and symptoms, and reaching out for professional help early ensures that children receive timely and effective mental health treatment.

Mental Health in Adulthood: Navigating Life’s Complexities

Although mental health issues can occur during any part of a person’s life, many tend to struggle later in life due to adult stressors and changes. Adulthood—especially emerging adulthood—tends to be a time of major transition. So many changes—to career, relationships, health, and more—are happening simultaneously during this time of life, which can feel overwhelming and stressful. Prolonged exposure to stress is linked with the development or worsening of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression [7], which can make things even harder to manage.

It is also important to note that the decisions many individuals begin to make in adulthood have a lasting impact on physical and mental health. An unbalanced diet, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits, like smoking cigarettes or using substances, have significantly negative effects on both physical and mental health [8]. Creating healthier habits that center on wellness in adulthood ensures that you take preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing potentially life-altering illnesses.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Older Adulthood and Senior Years

Mental health is important at every age, even throughout your older adulthood and senior years. You may think that you’ll have your wellness routine down by the time you’re a senior, or that issues that once bothered you won’t affect you anymore, but this is not the case for most. Seniors face a unique set of challenges that impact their mental health, like isolation and loneliness [9], grief [10], and deteriorating physical health or chronic illness [11].

Not to mention, there is a stigma surrounding mental health among older adults, pushing the narrative that struggling mentally is just a normal part of aging. Although it is common for older adults to experience mental health issues [12], mental health issues are not caused by getting older [13]. This false belief is harmful and can contribute to seniors’ lack of treatment for their mental health conditions [14].

Working past the stigma placed upon senior mental health, there are ways to manage mental health issues among this population. Because isolation and loneliness are pertinent causes of mental health issues, seniors need to stay social and regularly connect with others. This not only decreases feelings of loneliness among seniors, but it also increases cognitive flexibility and builds a strong support system they can turn to in times of need [15].

Overcoming the Stigma: A Collective Responsibility

Mental health stigma can be attributed to a lack of understanding, false information, and societal and cultural standards [16]. Lack of understanding may be due to the absence of mental health education, inaccurate depictions of mental illness in the media, and a lack of candid discussion about our mental struggles. This can lead to the spread of false information based on assumptions. Likewise, cultures and societies that view mental illness as shameful contribute to a negative narrative surrounding mental health.

To overcome the stigma surrounding mental health, we must raise awareness, increase education, and lessen the shame and embarrassment surrounding mental health issues. We can do this by having open and honest conversations among all age groups, highlighting the importance of collective support, and encouraging treatment. Communities can provide mental health resources to those in need of support, raise awareness of how common mental health issues are, and use respectful, non-stigmatizing language when speaking about mental health.

Breaking stigma doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process that takes vulnerability and dedication. Together, though, we can work toward a future where all age groups feel empowered to take care of their mental health and reach out for support.

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