Some older Australians are saying they "don't want to be a burden" when asked what stops them from sharing how they really feel with people close to them.
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So, a group of researchers who are looking into how people over the age of 60 talk about and understand mental wellbeing is already getting an insight into why depression and anxiety are still considered taboo topics among this age group.
"Most of our interview participants to date report they were raised not to talk about their feelings, or 'to not air their dirty washing', or 'to just get on with it'. Some spoke about not wanting to be a 'burden on others', so they just keep what's happening to themselves," said chief investigator Professor Kate Burridge.
"What we are finding is that these illnesses are still shrouded in taboo, and the stigma is still very strong among older adults."
The research project is called De-tabooing depression and anxiety: Mental health communication in older age and it is funded by the Australian Research Council.
The researchers are from Monash University, the University of Tasmania and Corvinus University of Budapest.
"What we do know about older people, language and mental health, is that one in six Australians are aged 65 years and over, and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this figure is projected to increase significantly over the next 40 years," Professor Burridge said.
Chief investigator Professor Mia Lindgren said some of the interviews will be included in a podcast that features older Australians talking about their personal experiences of depression and anxiety and, more broadly, mental wellbeing.
"Podcasts are an intimate medium, well-suited for sharing personal stories. Our podcast will not only facilitate communication about mental wellbeing, it will also be used to celebrate the lives and stories of older Australians," she said.
So far, the researchers have conducted 15 interviews in Hobart, Tasmania and nine interviews in Hervey Bay.
The team is actively seeking people to interview in Victoria and Western Australia.
If you want to participate, contact Dr Helene Thomas at Helene.Thomas@utas.edu.au
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
