As an older adult with CP, you will be managing the effects of CP that change as you age, as well as other age-related issues, such as hearing loss or eyesight deterioration. You may be experiencing stress and anxiety related to concerns about your CP symptoms, including any pain and fatigue you are feeling.

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly affected mental health and wellbeing, and social connectedness in our community. For older adults with CP, this has been especially difficult, due to things like isolation and loneliness brought on by separation from friends and family, and the usual services and support having been difficult to access.

Feelings of loneliness can have an effect on your general health and wellbeing. As life is slowly getting back to normal, try to reach out to others by joining a local community or social group, and organise to visit with family and friends.

Research has shown that people with CP have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. The symptoms and severity of depression and anxiety can be different for each person, although most will find it very hard to function as usual. Asking for help can be the first step to getting support and treatment.

It can all feel overwhelming at times, but there is support available. Remember that it is really important to take care of your mental health, no matter what your age. Your physical problems can be better managed when your body and mind are supported and balanced – mental health is a key part of this balance.

If you, or the people closest to you, have any concerns about your mental health, talk to your healthcare team. They can refer you to a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or other mental health professionals, who can assess you and provide you with a comprehensive plan for treatment, care and advice.

If you feel you are in crisis, seek help immediately.

If you are at risk of or are actively engaging in behaviour that is causing you or others harm, you should immediately contact the ambulance, police or a psychiatric emergency response team, or ask someone to take you to a hospital emergency department for assessment and treatment.

There are also phone and online resources that you can access any time of the day or night to speak to a supportive person for help and advice, including:

• Beyond Blue – for information and support for mental health, call 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au 
• Lifeline Australia – for crisis support and suicide prevention, call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au 
• The Samaritans – for 24/7 anonymous crisis support, call 135 247 or visit thesamaritans.org.au 
• Think Mental Health – for an online mental health check-up tool and free resources, visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.