Yours Minds survey – what you told us

How does mental health affect you? And is enough being done about it? Welcome to Yours Minds, a national campaign putting the spotlight on mental health in older people

What does the term ‘mental health’ mean to you? Is it something you think affects other people? Do you feel there is enough support for older people?

The global Covid-19 crisis means the spotlight on mental health has never been stronger: people isolated from family and friends, worries about our health and livelihoods, our communities and everyday lives hanging in the balance. As we move forward, the emphasis on the nation’s emotional wellbeing will be as important as our physical health.

Even before this year’s pandemic, awareness had grown significantly. From Mental Health First Aiders in workplaces to counselling services and social prescribing, access and resources to support better mental health have become more widely available. While it’s fantastic such gains have been made already, how we feel ‘up top’ is still a largely neglected topic among the older demographic, who are often referred to as the ‘stiff upper lip’ generation. But this is a topic that affects us all, and age brings its own set of mental health challenges, as well as some positive benefits.

Good mental health is vital and getting the access to the right support is essential and something we should all have. This is why we’re launching our Yours Minds campaign, starting with a national survey asking you about your own experiences and views. Thousands of you responded, aged from 50 to 80-plus, from all over the UK. So what does the mental health map look like today for Britain’s older generation – and what can be done about it?