As we get older, life can bring new experiences, responsibilities and challenges that can affect how we feel emotionally and mentally. Many older adults experience changes such as retirement, bereavement, changes in identity or routine, caring responsibilities, loneliness, physical health problems, reduced mobility or living with long-term health conditions. These experiences can sometimes lead to feelings of worry, stress, feeling out of sorts or overwhelmed.
It is important to know that mental health challenges are not a normal or unavoidable part of ageing, and support is available. NHS Talking Therapies offers free and confidential support for adults experiencing common mental health difficulties. We work with older adults to help them better understand their difficulties, develop coping strategies and improve their wellbeing.
We can support people who are experiencing:
Feeling out of sorts or not quite yourself
Feeling anxious, low or hopeless
Worrying a lot or feeling stressed
Finding it hard to cope with work, life or relationships
Feeling fearful of social situations
Panic attacks
Struggling with flashbacks or nightmares about an upsetting event from the past
Having obsessive thoughts or behaviours
Dealing with fears and phobias
Difficulties associated with the impact of physical health problems
You do not need to wait until things feel severe before reaching out for support. Many people find that Talking Therapies can help them feel more able to cope, improve confidence and regain enjoyment in day-to-day life.
How can we help?
You would first be offered an appointment to help us understand the difficulties you are experiencing.
We offer treatment options including:
• Guided self-help
• Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• SilverCloud – a computerised CBT based programme
• Groups, including a stress course and a ‘living well with long term health conditions’ group. We can also recommend other services that could be helpful for you.
Myths about older adults mental health:
Myth: Feeling low or worried is just a natural part of aging
Fact: Being overly worried, low or not feeling yourself are important signs that you may need some additional support and is not something you just have to live with.
Myth: Other people are suffering more than me, booking an appointment will waste NHS resources, it’s better to offer this sort of thing to younger people
Fact: Accessing this service does not take anything away from anyone else, your health matters! If you feel you may benefit from an appointment please contact us, we would love to speak with you and see how we can help!
Myth: People my age don’t have ‘mental health’ I should be able to cope on my own
Fact: People across all age groups can find themselves needing some support to feel more like themselves. There is no shame in asking for help no matter your age.
Myth: I need technology skills to access talking therapies
Fact: talking therapies can be accessed in a variety of ways and there are options that involve no technology! You can give us a call, speak to a person and book to see a therapist face to face.
Myth: it’s too late, I’m stuck in my ways
Fact: it is never too late to learn something new, including new ways to manage symptoms of not feeling quite like yourself. There is nothing to lose and a lot to gain by trying
What do older adults have to say about our service?
“I was very nervous but the young lady I spoke to made me more comfortable and confident”. Patient aged 85
“I have only high regard and thanks for my therapist, from being in a very dark place my life has now begun and the sun shines every day”. Patient aged 68
“My therapist was very professional in her approach and gave me confidence in the various approaches/services available to me. Was not feeling left on my own. Top class service”. Patient aged 69
“Easy to access, and it felt comfortable and easy to talk to the assessor – open-minded, understanding approach. Pleasantly surprised at promptness of service response”. Patient aged 67
“I felt the session very informative and the young lady who I saw made me feel at ease and more relaxed. I found talking about things so much better”. Patient aged 78
