Our report on Mental Health

During August - September 2024, 101 older people in Redbridge completed our survey on mental health.

A majority of respondents (71%) currently have ‘good or excellent’ mental health, while around a quarter (23%) describe it to be ‘fair’. 6% consider their mental health to be ‘poor’ or ‘very bad’

Just over half of respondents (58%) say they know what has triggered their condition. The main causes highlighted are physical health conditions (42%), feeling lonely or isolated (also 42%), and family issues such as bereavement or breakup (32%).

Of those identifying with a mental health condition in the last year, two thirds (67%) have experienced anxiety, with 42% citing depression and a quarter (26%) insomnia.

When seeking support, experiences of services vary. We heard that GPs can be ‘too health focused’ and are more likely to offer support in acute cases – such as having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, conditions have been dismissed as ‘old age’, we heard.

Signposting to community groups (such as Age UK) has been helpful.

Those accessing talking therapies say the service is largely effective. However long waiting lists are reported and more sessions, would be helpful.

Read more in the full report.