Being over 50 can sometimes bring unexpected stress, family pressures, bereavements and financial worries, causing us to feel unhappy, unmotivated and unwell physically and mentally – at a time when our body and mind just wants a calmer life!Some older age groups have a tendency to ignore mental health problems and tend to think more about good physical health rather than good mental health, so are far less likely to seek help with stress or depression. Both are equally important, and mental health issues can be treated, just like any other illness.
The causes of stress and depression in the over 50s can be many and varied. We have a tendency to blame ourselves which in turn can add to the negative thoughts and feelings. Causes can include:
As with the causes, the symptoms too, can be many and varied and can include:
If you are 50 or over and struggling with worry, anxiety, stress or depression, attending an Impact YOU Programme may just be the opportunity, you need to get back in control of your life and your mind!
Impact, provide relaxed, mental health & wellbeing programmes across Bedfordshire, and we are excited to announce that we will be delivering one of our YOU Programmes in September 2018, specifically for local residents aged 50 and over.
This programme will help you to help yourself manage pressures such as stress/anxiety, isolation, unemployment, relationship difficulties, bereavements, employment issues and unhealthy addictions using peer-led discussions to uncover and build confidence, plan for structure in your life and teach empowering decision-making techniques.
An enjoyable and friendly, informative 4 days delivered over 4 weeks by facilitators sharing a wealth of lived experience, and who know what it’s like to be over 50!
If you would like to find out more, register for one of our enrolment sessions or pop-ins, or just drop us a line.
Let’s make being over 50 something to celebrate with renewed hope, new learning and new goals for a more enriched and healthier life.
We understand that it can be daunting to call and talk to someone, or to complete an enrolment form, that’s why we have created a variety of ways in which you can enrol yourself or refer someone else onto an OVER 50s YOU Programme in your area.
Drop us a line, and we’ll call you right back …
We arrange relaxed and informal sign-up sessions and pop-ins throughout Central Bedfordshire on a regular basis.
and we’ll be happy to complete the enrolment forms with you and confirm your place on the next cycle in your area.
Take a look at what some of our previous learners have said about the YOU Programme!
“Thank you so much, I have loved every minute!”
“The course was delivered in a very easy to understand manner, helpful, informative. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly, unpressurised. Worthwhile.”
“The past is in your head. The future is in your hands.”
“Tremendously empowering!… has given me the strength to make change and decisions to move my life forward.”
“Great course, facilitators were fantastic.”
“I have really enjoyed this course… it has given me hope for the future… thank you so much.”
“People have been very nice and i have made some new friends.”
“Found the course very interesting.”
“It is the most helpful course I have ever done.”
“I found the course very friendly and I am glad I decided to do it.”
“Empowering & educating others to make important changes in their lives to succeed.”
“After doing this course I feel more in control and know what I need to do to control my mental health.”
“I would recommend this course to anyone involved with mental health. Be it service user or professional… Good information and delivered with a non-school feel. Well done Impact, keep it up!”
“The programme needed to be longer! Relaxing and had a great laugh!”
“Felt unwell this morning. Feeling better now!”
“Feel empowered, on a journey and supported. I realise that not all change is negative and fear should not stop me. Empathic and understanding. I feel accepted for who I am – I am a person not a diagnosis!”
“It was really interesting to learn that there are others in the same boat and that I am not alone. Great course!”
“The course and staff are great but the programme needs to be longer!”
“I really enjoyed the course.”
“A very enjoyable couple of days, please continue providing such excellent support.”
“I owe a big thank you to all, I was not in a good place but have learnt such a lot. I recommend that this course should be used as recovery.”
“I felt very strong after the first session, couldn’t explain why but so glad I came back to enable me to accept the opportunity to help myself.”
“Thank you for the help, I started feeling much better than I did and want to move on – a great service for the people who need it.”
“It’s been great to meet like-minded people. The paperwork is few and sufficiently direct so it’s great not to have to try and read too much information. The course staff mingle in with participants, so there’s no superiority, unlike the professional, patient situation!”
“Fantastic course, a breath of fresh air. I really benefitted and I strongly believe I have acquired a set of tools and knowledge that will benefit me in the short and long-term.”
“Really well presented, respectful and understanding. Thanks so much.”
“I found the programme really interesting, informative and inspiring!”
“Impact really have made a positive impact on my self-view and my hopes and expectations for a positive future, based on change and planned development. Programme needs to be longer.”
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash 
Pop-In Tuesday 22nd May 
Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash
Hi Richard,
Feel free to pitch up to the pop-in – on the 28th. No need to register.
Alternatively, if for any reason you can’t make the pop-in sign up, you can also register online https://www.impactmh.org.uk/you-programme-application-form/
Regards
I would like to attend the pop in on 28 Aug with a view to joining the course on 4th September