A new survey shows that almost 60 per cent of people over the age of 65 believe those in their age group would be reluctant to discuss depression.

One quarter of respondents said they believed that depression is a state of mind and not an illness.

This could indicate a lack of understanding of depression, resulting in many older people with depression not being diagnosed or receiving the help they need.

A new information leaflet, Mind Yourself – Depression in Later Life, is being launched by Lundbeck (Ireland) Ltd to help older people who may have depression.

Old Age Psychiatrist Prof Brian Lawlor and advocacy group Age Action urged older people to address the issue of their mental health at the launch of the Mind Yourself – Depression in Later Life leaflet. The leaflet, produced by Lundbeck (Ireland) Ltd, provides useful information to help people recognise the symptoms of depression in later life and how to access support services and resources.

The leaflet is available free by calling 01-468 9800 and will be distributed via GP surgeries. The leaflet was developed following research among people over the age of 65, carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of Lundbeck.