Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health
Breaking Taboos is a ten-part conversational podcast about ageing and mental health. The episodes explore how older Australians experience mental health, focusing on depression in later life, creating social connections, intergenerational living, experiences of grief, retiring and transitioning into aged care, late-life gender transition, living with HIV/AIDS as an older person and how some people don't want to talk about their experiences to avoid burdening others.
The series seeks to inform listeners about diverse mental health experiences, raise awareness about challenges faced by older adults, and celebrate the wisdom that comes with lived experience.
The podcast is produced by Dr Helene Thomas and Professor Mia Lindgren, with host Professor Kate Burridge.
Breaking Taboos is funded by the Australian Research Council for the national project "De-tabooing depression and anxiety: Mental health communication in older age", led by researchers from Monash University, Corvinius University of Budapest and the University of Tasmania.
Breaking Taboos explore topics that can be difficult to listen to. Please take care and seek help if needed (Australian resources):
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
- Older Persons Mental Health Services | Check with your local health district
- Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 | Support for those caring for older adults
- Head to Health | www.headtohealth.gov.au (for finding local mental health services)
- Griefline | 1300 845 745
- ACON - HIV Support- 02 9206 2000 | https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/hiv-support/
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia - 02 7209 6301 | https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/services_and_supports
Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health
Episode 6: From the boss to the feather duster - Fred's Story
Throughout his life Fred has always been the captain of his own ship. As a business owner he had a lot of confidence in his abilities and was regarded as an upstanding citizen in his local community.
When he was in his mid-50s, Fred found himself in a situation where a business partnership soured and he was forced to retire early.
He describes his retirement as going from “the boss to the feather duster”. Fred felt he’d lost his sense of identity and this impacted his mental health.
In this episode, Fred talks about this experience for the first time. He has chosen a pseudonym for this reason.
We also hear from Anthony Hegarty from TOMNET, The Older Mens Network based out of Toowoomba in Queensland. Anthony supports men into retirement, helping them find meaning and purpose again.
This episode contains discussions of difficult subject matter. Please take care while listening. Below are contacts and links to mental health support services (Australia-wide):
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
- Older Persons Mental Health Services – Check with your local health district
- Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 | Support for those caring for older adults
- Head to Health – www.headtohealth.gov.au for finding local mental health services