Don’t brush it under the carpet
1 November 2024
Today, Friday 1 November 2024, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sussex have relaunched a campaign to improve mental wellbeing and raise awareness of self-harm and suicide in older people.
The campaign ‘Don’t brush it under the carpet’ is launching for a second year running as we head into winter and aims to reach and support older people who may be feeling low or alone and guide them to the right support.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the issue of suicide and self-harm amongst carers, family members and health professionals to enable them to support someone they know who may be struggling..
The campaign is themed around common phrases and sayings that older people would be familiar with and relate to including 'don’t brush it under the carpet' and 'a problem shared is a problem halved'.
Reaching out for support from family, friends or professionals can make a huge difference, including, in some cases, preventing self-harm or suicide. Many older people find it very difficult to discuss their mental health but there is still a significant need.
According to data extracted by Age UK, in people over 65:
- Over half a million (579,803) experience anxiety disorder
- Just under half a million (487,100) experience a major depressive disorder
- Just under 200,000 (191,740) experience chronic depressive disorder.
Here are some of the things you can do to help improve how you are feeling:
- Talk to someone - tell someone you trust how you're feeling or contact yourGP surgery
- Text: text the word SUSSEX to 85258
- Call the Silver Line Helpline for free on 0800 4 70 80 90.
Find out more on the Don't brush it under the carpet campaign webpage: bit.ly/
If you would like to help to support this campaign, please download the digital campaign toolkit below or email spft.
The idea for this campaign is from the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership who launched the ‘Don’t Brush It Under the Carpet’ in 2022 and builds on their existing Shining A Light on Suicide Campaign.