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
Trailer Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health
Breaking Taboos: Older Australians Talk About Mental Health is a ten-part conversational podcast series that brings raw, heartfelt stories into the spotlight, offering an unfiltered look at the mental health journeys of Australians aged 60 and over.
From navigating grief, retirement, and aged care transitions to living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing gender transition later in life, the series covers ground rarely explored in public conversations.
The series shows how people can live well in older age, the way people manage mental health and build connections to stay well.
Funded by the Australian Research Council, the podcast is part of the national research project De-tabooing Depression and Anxiety: Mental Health Communication in Older Age, led by Monash University in collaboration with the University of Tasmania and Corvinus University of Budapest.
Drawing from in-depth interviews with 50 Australians aged 60 to 97, the series is hosted by Chief Investigator and renowned linguist Professor Kate Burridge. The episodes are produced by Dr Helene Thomas and Professor Mia Lindgren, both experienced audio storytellers and researchers.
Many of the episodes contain discussions of difficult subject matter so please take care while listening. You can find links to support services in the show notes for each episode.
Episodes will be released on Friday 6 June.