Low mood and anxiety are everyday problems that any of us can experience at any age.
NHS Talking Therapies for over 65s
Low mood and anxiety are everyday problems that any of us can experience at any age. But you can get better and recover with treatment. You don't have to put up with surviving instead of thriving or leave it until you're at your lowest point to get help.
How you may be feeling
- Trouble sleeping
- On edge or worrying too much
- Low or unmotivated
- Lacking a sense of purpose or self-confidence
- Avoiding situations that cause distress
Your current circumstances may be affecting how you feel too, such as:
- Adjusting to retirement
- Becoming bored or disinterested because you don’t feel that you have a hobby or activity to keep you busy
- Caring responsibilities that affect your own emotional wellbeing
- Coping with a bereavement
- Living alone, or feeling lonely
- Living with a long-term physical health condition, or new diagnosis, like diabetes, cancer or heart disease
NHS Talking Therapies can help
NHS Talking Therapies is a discreet service available free on the NHS. Rather than focusing on medication, we give you practical techniques, which are based on evidence. We show you how to practice these in your day to day life to help you start feeling better again.
Getting help early on can stop problems getting worse, put you in a better frame of mind to deal with any practical problems life puts your way and help you manage your physical health too. Regular use can even prevent problems re-occurring.
The support we offer is tailored to your needs and on an individual rather than a group basis. You will have regular contact with a professional therapist, usually either online, by phone, video call or face to face.
See our information leaflet for more information (opens in new browser tab)
What our clients say
Watch Peter's story in the video below or on YouTube (opens in new browser tab)
Peter explains what getting treatment was like: "What surprised me most about therapy is that it was talking to someone who understood the problems that people go through... Once I'd taken the first step and got over that embarrassment it was easy to continue to complete the course."
What about waiting times?
Our current waiting times are as follows:
- For an initial Wellbeing Assessment with a therapist are around one week.
- For subsequent treatment can vary but are typically four weeks for a short course of therapy and up to four months for a longer course of more intensive treatment.
- Individual requests and circumstances can vary however so please contact us to discuss your needs and get an accurate waiting time. Waits for specialist treatments may be longer.
Book a free wellbeing call
Get in touch to book your first wellbeing call with an accredited therapist to understand your options and if therapy could be for you.
Complete our online form to refer yourself for free and confidential treatment.
Call us on 0300 365 2000, press option 2 (local rate, 8am-8pm) to refer yourself by phone.
Get started with our smartphone app today
Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of working through an online programme, with regular reviews from a therapist to guide your progress, you can register for access to our smartphone app and online programme called SilverCloud
Find out more about our online programme and complete our SilverCloud self referral form (opens in new browser tab)
Need urgent help?
If you need urgent support for mental health your GP is best placed to advise on your care.
During evenings and weekends please call 111 for NHS help. Dial 999 in an emergency where your life is in danger.
The Samaritans can offer a listening service without giving advice or treatment. Call 116123 for support (open 24 hours)
Find out more
If you’ve already been referred to NHS Talking Therapies or are being supported by NHS Community Mental Health Services, please don’t start a new referral. You can contact us for an update on 0300 365 2000.
If you're concerned about someone you know, we have advice about how you can talk to them about any difficulties they're experiencing.
Read advice on how to support someone else (opens in new browser tab)
Read about what we can treat (opens in new browser tab)
Read about what to expect from therapy (opens in new browser tab)
Read our blog "Five reasons to seek therapy in later life" (opens in new browser tab)
As well as Talking Therapies, there are other support groups and communities across Berkshire who might also be able to help.
Age Concern (East Berkshire) organise day centres, support for repairs and odd-jobs, and befriending
Age UK Berkshire offer befriending, support and advice on things like health and lifestyle
Ageing Well Bracknell - Public health portal with information on different ways to maintain health and wellbeing
University of the Third Age (U3A) offer educational courses