40 per cent of people aged over 65 with chronic disease would be not seeking help for mental health conditions – even if they needed it, according to a worrying new study from Edith Cowan University.
The study found they were either sceptical about the benefits of mental health support, believed they lacked support from family and friends to seek support or felt they could not access services.
It is also difficult to distinguish between chronic disease symptoms and those from mental health, the researchers found.
“People living with respiratory disease who have difficulty breathing might assume that if their breathing is getting worse that’s because their chronic disease is getting worse, however it might actually be a symptom of anxiety,” lead researcher Claire Adams said.
However, there was some good news.
The study also found those who had used mental health services in the past would be likely to use them again in the future.
So, if you can make it to that first appointment, you’re more likely to get the support that you need.
A reminder that you don’t need to be ‘tough as nails’ all the time – and it’s not a bad thing to ask for help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 24 at any time of the day, seven days a week for anonymous support and guidance.
