We know that getting older is inevitable, and we know that with growing old, there can be a range of challenges that may affect our mental health. At NHS Doncaster Talking Therapies, we want to make sure every older adult in Doncaster has the tools, techniques and support they require to have good mental wellbeing. We’re also tackling any myths around mental health, too.
How do I know if I’m struggling with my mental health?
Mental health problems can manifest in a range of different ways. There are many signs and symptoms to look out for.
Common signs or symptoms you may experience if you are struggling with anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge most of the time. You might be really worried about going to the shops on your own or going out once it’s dark.
- Not being able to stop or control worrying.
- Having trouble relaxing and being really restless.
- Feeling afraid as if something awful is going to happen.
- Struggling to concentrate.
- Physical changes such as; heart racing, sweating, nausea, dizzy, churning stomach.
Common signs or symptoms you may experience if you are struggling with depression:
- Low mood, feeling generally down most of the time.
- Not feeling your usual ‘bright’ self or feeling ‘fed up’.
- Lack of interest or pleasure in doing things you would normally enjoy.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Feeling worthless.
- Struggling to concentrate.
- Feeling more irritable and not wanting to be with other people.
What might affect my mental health?
- Physical health changes. This could be things such as eye health, hearing loss, incontinence or Osteoporosis
- Loneliness
- Retirement
- Major life changes, such as becoming a carer or retiring
- Bereavement
This isn’t an exhaustive list. There can be many reasons, and sometimes you may just be struggling with your mental health for no clear reason at all.
Some of those examples above are, understandably, tough to deal with. If you notice that you have some symptoms of a mental health problem and they’re persistent and impacting on your day to day life, NHS Talking Therapies is here to help you.
It is really important that you seek professional support as soon as possible so we can help you to feel better.
It is estimated that one in five over 65’s living in our community is affected by depression or anxiety. You are not alone.
Getting the help and support you need
We are here to help support you with your mental health and wellbeing.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can get treatment with NHS Doncaster Talking Therapies. We are a free, confidential service for anyone over the age of 18.
NHS Talking Therapies can:
- Provide talking therapies for depression and anxiety, plus many other common mental health problems.
- Offer treatment face to face, over the phone, through typed text messaging or via video call.
- Provide one to one treatment or group sessions.
To access NHS Talking Therapies please complete our self-referral form on this website, or call 03000 211 556.
You must be over 18, registered with a Doncaster GP and not currently accessing mental health support elsewhere.
If you are interested in understanding more about how NHS Doncaster Talking Therapies can help, you can watch Bernie’s story in the video below from NHS England.
Myths
There have always been myths and stereotypes around mental health. Here are a couple of myths that we have busted for you:
- It is normal to feel depressed as you get older:
It is not an inevitable result of ageing that you will feel depressed. Older adults can lead happy, fulfilling lives and research actually shows that older people report higher levels of wellbeing than under 65s.
- If I say I’m struggling with my mental health they’ll think I’m crazy:
Struggling with your mental health is very common and our team of therapists are understanding and non-judgemental, we would never think a person is ‘crazy’. Your contact with the service will be confidential and we are here to support you to feel better and stay well.
- Talking therapies won’t work for me because I am too old:
Talking therapies is suitable for all adults and older adults actually tend to get better outcomes from treatment than under 65s. Research shows therapies are as effective for retired people as for those of working age.
- Mental health does not exist:
As everybody has a brain, everybody has mental health – it just depends on whether that is good mental health or poor mental health. We are all on scale of how well or unwell we feel at any one time in our lives. Mental health conditions are very common and can affect anyone at any age. Talking therapies can help with these.