A CAMPAIGN encouraging older people to reach out and access help and support for their mental health has been launched.

Worcestershire County Council is backing Your Mind Matters, hoping to inspire older generations to change any “stiff upper lip” attitude when it comes to seeking help with any mental health issues they may be experiencing.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care said: ““Positive mental health is equally as important as physical health, in terms of your overall health and wellbeing.

“Attitudes to mental health have gone through a real change in recent years, and people’s willingness to discuss their mental health has significantly improved.

“There is a lot more support available to everyone in today’s society, there is no need to suffer in silence.

“I’d encourage people to take that first step and talking to someone about any issues they may be having.”

NHS England and Age UK have joined forces for the new campaign, as new analysis has shown that a majority of older people do not seek help for any mental health issues they’re experiencing.

New data reveals that more than six in 10 people in the UK aged 65 or over have experienced depression and anxiety.

Of these, more than half did not seek help as they thought ‘they should just get on with it’ and nearly a quarter relied on support from friends or family.

The campaign aims to break the stigma behind mental health and to get rid of the conception that depression is not a normal part of ageing.

The Worcestershire Healthy Minds service is also available to help support people, aged 16 and over, who are experiencing problems in life such as stress, anxiety, low mood and depression.

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