With over half the population of Surrey aged 50 or above and people living longer we all owe it to ourselves to live as healthily as possible, and that includes our mental health.
Mental health problems are not an inevitable consequence of ageing and there is a strong link to your physical health – whatever your age. It is not true that feeling depressed comes with older age or that following a diagnosis of dementia little
can be done for the person or their family. Advancements in treatments, care and support have enormous benefits in improving symptoms and general well-being.
Many of us feel embarrassed about mental health issues – we need to break down the stigma of dementia, depression and all mental health conditions.
The most common are depression and dementia. Dementia is the gradual loss of memory or the ability to reason sufficiently to interfere with day to day life, and is more likely to happen in older age. Currently there is no cure for dementia, but there is no reason why people cannot have a good quality of life. Depression can affect everyone.
The symptoms are a depressed mood, low energy, loss of interest or pleasure, and poor concentration. Although depression is common, fewer than 25% of those affected receive treatment due to services not being available and the social stigma associated with mental disorders. The key message is go and speak to your GP as depression can be reliably diagnosed and effectively treated.
Getting help as early as possible is crucial. See your GP if you have any concerns and if you feel you need support take someone with you or take notes about your symptoms.
For more information on depression and dementia or getting help for yourself or if you are a carer, see the Help, Advice & Contacts section of this website.
