Beyondblue has been raising awareness of depression and anxiety, and working to reduce the associated stigma for 16 years.

People who were in their forties when we started in 2001, will now be heartily agreeing with the sentiment that ‘60 is the new 40’ because either they’ve reached the latter milestone or they will soon.

While getting older has joyful advantages for some, such as grandchildren, the end of mortgage repayments and feeling more confident, ageing can also put people at increased risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Physical illness and chronic pain can get people down. Experiencing personal loss, which could include losing a friend or loved one, one’s independence, health or a job, also may be psychologically distressing.

As people age, things happen in their lives that make them more susceptible to developing a mental health condition. Feeling sad or miserable most of the time or cutting themselves off from friends and family could be signs that someone has depression or anxiety.

Everyone feels down or anxious occasionally, but when these feelings persist for more than a few weeks, it’s time to talk to someone who can help.

As well, older people shouldn’t attribute physical symptoms like unexplained aches and pains, stomach upsets, appetite changes and sleeping problems just to ‘getting older’.

These can all be symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and can be treated successfully by a health professional.

We know these conditions are common and we encourage everyone to pay just as much attention to maintaining good mental health as they do to remaining physically healthy.

It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help and older people shouldn’t feel they have to put up with doing it tough.

Life starts at sixty. Depression and anxiety shouldn’t.

Georgie Harman

CEO, beyondblue

Hawthorn, Victoria

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