Looking after your mental health in later life
Last reviewed: June 2026
Our mental health matters just as much as our physical health, at every age. Later life can bring real joys, but it can also bring changes that weigh heavily, whether that is losing people we love, health problems, less independence, or simply spending more time alone. If you have been feeling low, anxious, or not quite yourself, you are far from alone, it is nothing to be ashamed of, and, importantly, things can get better with the right support. Here is what can help and where to turn.
It is more common than you might think
Feeling low or anxious is not a normal or inevitable part of getting older, but it is very common, and it can be helped at any age. Many older people grew up at a time when these things simply were not talked about, and may feel they ought to just get on with it. Please know that there is no weakness in struggling, and no shame at all in asking for help, any more than there would be for a sore knee or a chest infection.
What can affect how we feel
All sorts of things can affect our mental health in later life: grief and bereavement, living with pain or a long-term illness, losing some of our independence, money worries, retirement, caring for a partner, sleeping badly, or being on our own more than we would like. Recognising what might be behind how you are feeling is often the first step towards feeling better.
Signs it might be more than a passing low patch
We all have off days, but it is worth taking notice if, for a while now, you have felt persistently low or hopeless, lost interest in things you used to enjoy, been sleeping or eating very differently, felt anxious or on edge, or found yourself withdrawing from people. If any of that sounds familiar, please do reach out, because these are things that can genuinely be helped.
Things that can help
Alongside any support you get, small things really do make a difference. Try to keep some routine to your days, stay as active as you comfortably can, even a short walk helps, and get outside into the daylight when you can. Keep up with people, even if it is just a phone call, do a little of something you enjoy, and go easy on alcohol, which can make low mood worse. Above all, be kind to yourself, and do not expect too much too soon.
Talking to your GP
Your GP is a very good place to start. They will have heard it all before, they will not judge you, and they can talk through what might help, whether that is talking therapy, medication or other support, as well as check there is no physical cause for how you have been feeling.
Free talking therapies
You do not always need to go through your GP. Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies is a free, confidential NHS service for common difficulties like anxiety, low mood, stress and depression. If you are 16 or over and registered with a local GP, you can refer yourself directly, online at derby-talk.co.uk or by phone on 0333 041 7262, and you will be offered support that suits you, whether in person, by phone or by video call. And please do not think for a moment that you are too old for it, as talking therapies help people of every age.
Loneliness
Loneliness is one of the biggest things affecting older people's wellbeing, and it can creep up on anyone, particularly after losing a partner or when getting out and about becomes harder. If this is part of how you are feeling, please reach out, because company and connection genuinely help. Local groups and activities are a lovely way to meet people, and our own befriending service here at BrightLife offers regular, friendly contact, sometimes simply a chat over the phone, for anyone who would value it.
Local support
Closer to home, Derbyshire Mind is a local charity offering a range of mental health support, information and community activities. The Derbyshire mental health helpline is also there day and night: just call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, option 2, and an experienced worker will talk things through with you and, if it would help, arrange some face-to-face support at a local drop-in or safe haven.
If you are really struggling, or having dark thoughts
If things ever feel like too much, or you find yourself having thoughts of harming yourself, please do not keep it to yourself. You can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, option 2, at any time, or the Samaritans on 116 123, day or night, and in an emergency call 999. There are people ready to listen and to help, whatever you are going through, and we also have a separate page on emergency and crisis help.
If you care for someone
Caring for a loved one, especially over a long time, can quietly wear you down, and your own mental health matters every bit as much as theirs. You are entitled to support as a carer, and Derbyshire Carers Association is there to help. Do try to make a little time for yourself, too.
A note on memory
If it is your memory rather than your mood that you are worried about, whether for yourself or someone close to you, that is also worth talking to your GP about, and there is more in our separate guide on dementia.
Where to get help, locally and nationally
Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:
- Your GP, as a first port of call.
- Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies, free NHS talking therapy you can refer yourself to, at derby-talk.co.uk or on 0333 041 7262.
- Derbyshire Mind, for local mental health support and activities.
- The Derbyshire mental health helpline, by calling NHS 111 and choosing option 2, day or night.
- Derbyshire Carers Association, for support if you care for someone.
Across the country:
- The Samaritans, on 116 123, at any hour of the day or night.
- NHS 111, on 111, for urgent help, and nhs.uk for mental health information.
- Independent Age, on 0800 319 6789, for free advice and a friendly voice.