Older people encouraged to ditch 'stiff upper lip' approach to mental health

Older people are being encouraged to ditch the 'stiff upper lip' approach to mental health.

There are fears isolation and loneliness leave many pensioners depressed, but many are likely to simply make light of how they feel, and dismiss their condition as 'the blues' or 'being down in the dumps'.

Even fewer are contacting their doctor for help.

Alan Parker became so low he considered suicide - but thanks to help from his GP, he's now looking forward to the future.

Paralysed from the neck down with Multiple Sclerosis he felt his life was over.

Alan told me: "There was nowhere to go. I couldn't do anything so I just wanted an out. I just didn't want to go on."

Alan's GP referred him to a Psychology Service which provides mental health support for older people.

Helped by his mental health nurse Dorinda Farrington - the 76-year-old started writing his life story.

Alan said: "The writing of this book has been a big thing. Instead of lying there talking to nobody or taking to the ceiling - you look forward to a regular weekly conversation with somebody. It's really helped me."

Dorinda Farrington is a Senior Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for Salford Older Adult Primary Care Psychological Therapies Service, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

She's been working with Alan for the past two years.

She said: "It was very obvious Alan was really fed up. Getting people to tell their life stories is a technique we use in therapy.

"It gives them the chance to recall memories and also to realise that story hasn't ended. It can be quite cathartic to talk and have someone listen."

Alan added: "Dorinda's helped me to remember things in my life I've forgotten and it's really helped me to look forward to doing things.

"It's made me want to see what the next chapter is because there is going to be a next chapter. "

Pat McElhill's son Kevin died from Covid a year ago - for months the 77-year-old could barely get out of bed.

Pat told me: "I just wanted to go in the grave with him. I didn't see any point to anything when that happened.

"I've never wanted to take my own life, ever, but you get close to that. Is anything worth it anymore? You battle with yourself all the time and it gets hard some days."

Talking to a therapist from the Salford Older Person's Service has helped Pat process her feelings.

She said "In my hour session I can scream, swear, sing, don't talk at all, rabbit on, whatever way I want that hour to go. I think they've saved me.

"I don't know for how long but I'm here and I'm trying to do my best."

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, one in four people over 65 experience depression.

But fewer than one in six seek help from their GP and less than 7% of referrals for psychological therapy are for older people.

That's something Salford Older Adult Primary Care Psychological Therapies Service is trying to change.

Dr Ruth Fox, a clinical psychologist and team lead, says the service is working hard to encourage more older people in need to access NHS mental health services.

Dr Fox said: "I think there can a misconception among health professionals and GPs that that becoming depressed is a natural part of ageing and a belief that older people may not benefit from psychological therapies.

"There also tends to be more of a focus on their physical health so often mental health difficulties can be overlooked."

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If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health, support is available. The 24/7 mental health helpline is available any time, day or night, on 0800 953 0285 if you’re in Bolton, Salford, Trafford or Manchester, or 0800 051 3253 if you're in Wigan. Or, visit www.gmmh.nhs.uk or speak with your GP to find out about local support services available to you.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. You should attend your local NHS Accident & Emergency if you need urgent physical health care or require an urgent mental health assessment.