ALMOST ONE IN FOUR adults would be embarrassed to tell friends and family they were having counselling or psychotherapy, according to new figures.
The survey by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy found that men were much more likely to feel self-conscious about seeking help over personal problems.
Older people were also more likely to keep personal difficulties to themselves. Forty-nine per cent of over-65s said they would talk problems over with a friend or family member, while the figure for adults overall was 70 per cent.
One in seven over-65s have attended counselling or psychotherapy, compared to one in four adults overall.
Among women, 30 per cent have visited a counsellor or psychotherapist at least once. Among men the figure was 19 per cent.
A spokesperson for Age Action Ireland encouraged older people to share any difficulties they may be going through.
“Anxiety and stress experienced among older people may be caused by uncertainty over the future, stress due to enforced retirement, loss because of bereavement,” Eamon Timmins said.
“So please, if you’re going through a rough patch, let someone know. Talk to a relative, friend, GP, nurse or counsellor. Don’t go though it alone.”
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