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Looking after our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Ignoring a sprained ankle and continuing to walk on it could make things worse. The same goes for our mental health. Getting support early can make a big difference.
Common signs you might need extra support
Sometimes people think feeling down or worried is just a part of getting older, but that’s not the case. Here are some signs that you might benefit from extra support:
- feeling worried, sad, or angry much of the time
- struggling to cope with daily life
- not wanting to get out of bed or leave the house
- feeling tired and lacking energy to do everyday activities
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- having trouble sleeping
- eating more or less than usual
- thoughts about hurting yourself
- experiencing physical pain without a clear cause
- difficulty remembering or concentrating
Where to find help
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s important to talk to someone you trust, such as your GP, a friend, or a family member.
A full list of support services for older people can be found on our Finding support in Leeds page later on in this guide. You can also find help near your home in our directory of services.
Help in a crisis
Each person’s experience of crisis is personal to them. It can feel like you’re at breaking point or that everything is crashing down and you can’t cope. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There’s always someone to talk to.
You can find places to call, face-to-face help and support by text or online chat on our Need urgent help? page. We also have a downloadable resource with important numbers for crisis support services in Leeds.
If you’re supporting someone in crisis, visit our How to help someone in crisis page for advice on how to be there for them.