A local mental health service provider is raising awareness of the signs that an older person may be struggling with their mental health, calling for more ‘normalisation’ of talking therapies amongst older age groups.
Talking Together Wirral provides free, confidential NHS talking therapies across the region, and has seen a trend of older people just ‘accepting’ their low mood, worrying, or anxiety as part of getting old.
The organisation wants to normalise talking about mental health amongst this group, raising awareness of the signs that someone is struggling so they can access the help they need to feel better.
Symptoms to look out for include cancelling plans; not answering the phone or replying to messages; drinking or smoking more than usual; or talking about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.
Talking Together Wirral is asking people to be aware of these signs in loved ones and to direct them to its website, or to speak to their GP to get the help they need.
Talking Together Wirral has launched a campaign to raise awareness of their service, and the signs that someone may be struggling – with posters appearing on local bus routes and leaflets being delivered across the region. The service offers a range of talking therapies, depending on the needs of the person – including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and other more specialist types of therapy.
Samantha Lee, Community Development Team Manager at Talking Together Wirral, said, “You don’t have to have hit rock bottom to see a therapist or talk to someone. We want to raise awareness that while it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit low when getting older, you don’t just have to accept it – help is available.
“Talking therapies are proven to work, and success is even higher for older people. Therefore, it’s vital that everyone accesses the support they need as soon as they need it – so they can start to begin to feel more like themselves again.”
Anyone who is struggling and would like to speak to someone can contact their GP, call 0151 649 1859, or visit www.talkingtogetherwirral.org 
Image: Talking Together Wirral
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