Two-thirds of UK women over 50 face mental health challenges, according to new research
February 2026 - Health
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New research suggests that nearly two in three UK women aged 50 and over are struggling with their mental health. Among those affected, the majority (90%) never ask for help.
The survey of 2,000 women commissioned by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and published in January 2026, highlights the scale and nature of mental health challenges experienced by women over fifty and looks at why so many of these women are reluctant to seek support.
The findings identify several interconnected reasons why women over fifty are especially susceptible to mental health issues. These include menopause and hormonal fluctuations, major life changes such as relationship breakdowns, bereavement (parents dying), children leaving home, financial pressures, and shifts in self-perception and appearance; all of which can affect their mental wellbeing to varying degrees.
When asked about the pressures they experienced since turning fifty that affected their mental health, the most common response from the women surveyed was brain fog, a significant symptom of menopause, reported by nearly 38% of participants. Additionally, 34% stated that coping with menopause and its related symptoms—such as poor sleep, low mood, weight gain, and anxiety—was particularly challenging. The study also suggests that stigma and societal attitudes can worsen these challenges, leading women to downplay or conceal their struggles altogether.
When examining the barriers that prevent women from sharing their struggles and seeking support, nearly half (45%) of women reported feeling the need to "hold it together for others." Additionally, almost three in ten (27%) expressed fear that others would not understand their experiences, while around a quarter (24%) felt pressure to adopt a "stiff upper lip" mentality. These obstacles have contributed to what BCAP refers to as an "epidemic of silence," which is causing harm to women. The organisation urges those women who are affected to consider therapy as a valuable source of support.
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