What can affect your mental health?

Government pandemic guidance and restriction has closed book clubs, bingo venues, exercise groups, cafe's, cinemas, theatres, shopping and hairdressers, luncheon clubs, day centres, community centres. It has restricted journeys and holidays. The impact has left many feeling lonely, and isolated.

At any age, painful events or changes in your situation may affect your mental health and make you more vulnerable to problems, such as depression or anxiety. For example:

• ill health
• taking certain medications
• relationship breakdown
• bereavement and loss
• loneliness
• becoming a carer
• loss of independence
• finding it more difficult to do the things you used to do
• feeling more vulnerable as you get older – e.g., at risk of scams
• loss of daily routine and social contact after retirement
• money worries
• moving house, including moving to a new area or moving into a care home.

Sometimes, there might not be an obvious reason for how you're feeling but it is worth seeking help.

Find help and support here:

NHS Every Mind Matters: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/older-people/