OLDER people in Warrington who have been affected by depression in later life are being urged to contact Age Concern, in support of the charity’s “Down, but not out” campaign.
The campaign is encouraging older people who are feeling depressed to seek medical help, and when they do, ensure that their GP listens to them and gives them appropriate treatment.
Depression is very common in later life, yet it is not always treated and is often wrongly seen as part of
growing old.
Only one in three older people ever discuss their feelings of depression with their GP as they often find it difficult to open-up and talk about their mental health problems.
The charity wants to hear from older people and their families whose lives have been affected by the illness. Typical questions may be: Has your quality of life been affected by depression? Do you think your age has been a barrier in getting help for your depression? Did your GP dismiss your feelings as part of getting older?
A spokeswoman for Age Concern said: “Real-life stories may help other older people in Warrington with depression to take the steps needed to improve their quality of life. Sharing personal experiences of depression with the charity, will enable Age Concern to strengthen its calls to government for better treatment and services for all older people with depression.”
Anyone who would like to help others by sharing experiences of depression in later life can contact Anne-Marie Devaney on 020 8765 7511 or email [email protected]
