No More Stiff Upper Lip campaign launches to tackle epidemic of silence among women over 50
News from BACP

We’ve launched the No More Stiff Upper Lip  campaign, featuring a limited-edition lipstick collection, after new research showed how women over 50 were hiding their mental health struggles.

Our survey found that nearly two thirds (64%) of women over 50 have struggled with their mental wellbeing since reaching midlife[1], with almost nine in 10 (87%) keeping these difficulties hidden.

Nearly half (46%) said they avoided seeking support because they did not want to burden others, while a quarter (24%) cited a ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude towards mental health.

We're warning of an epidemic of silence among women over 50 about their mental health, crucially, at the age suicide rates among women are some of the highest, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.[2]

To highlight the challenges faced by women in midlife and show how  therapy can help, we've created the No More Stiff Upper Lip collection.

The limited edition lipsticks, providing positive inspiration for those in need of support, with names of shades including empowered, heard, unapologetic and resilient.

Women who have benefited from therapy modelled the lipsticks at a photoshoot with world renowned photographer Rankin, alongside campaign ambassador, former model turned chef, Lorraine Pascale.

The lipsticks will be available on Friday 30 January at a pop-up event at the Trafford Centre, in Manchester, where visitors can receive a free lipstick and information about therapy.

Campaign aims

No More Stiff Upper Lip aims to help women understand how therapy can help them and explain why it’s important they choose a therapist who’s listed on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register – such as BACP’s. It's part of our wider public education and awareness campaign work.

We've shared the campaign with journalists and media outlets throughout the country, and through our social media channels and digital advertising, so the campaign reaches and helps as many women over 50 as possible.

Seeking support takes courage

Reflecting on the importance of this campaign, Julia Samuel MBE, psychotherapist and former BACP Vice President, says:

"Midlife for women is often a convergence point: menopause intersects with caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, navigating career peaks or transitions, and sometimes facing relationship changes or loss. Yet so many feel they should manage it all silently, as if struggling means failing. Seeking support takes courage, and working with a registered therapist means you’re choosing someone bound by professional standards and ethics."

Our dedicated No More Stiff Upper Lip website features personal stories of women who’ve had therapy, an interactive mental wellbeing quiz and links to our Therapist Directory.

Visit www.nomorestiffupperlip.co.uk 

Marny, 58 from Cambridge, has shared her own positive experience of how therapy has helped her as part of the campaign.

She said:  "I’m a massive advocate of therapy, it has transformed my life. In the past year I’ve felt like a completely new woman despite ongoing health issues. Therapy has helped me to love me and feel confident in my own body."

Former Model and Chef Lorraine Pascale is backing our campaign.

She comments: "Many women over 50 feel they need to stay quiet and 'hold it together, when really they may be struggling. I've been there. Some of my friends have been there. There are a whole myriad of challenges to navigate at this age - whether that's physical changes to our bodies, changing situations with work, or losing loved ones.  

"Support from a registered therapist has really supported me to feel more confident and tackle challenges thrown my way."