Mental Health

NHS Lanarkshire wants to make sure that local people know where to get mental health support if they’re struggling this winter and has provided some useful tips to cope.

Coping with winter stress – our five top tips

1. Be kind to yourself
   Things are tough right now and winter isn’t looking any easier. Being kind to yourself has never been more important! There’s no rule book for coping with these challenging times – and whatever you’re feeling, you’re allowed to feel it. So be gentle with yourself. Rather than beating yourself up, give yourself a wee hug and ask: what can I do, in this moment, that I might really enjoy? What might I suggest to a friend if they were struggling?
2. Watch what you drink
   When it’s cold and dark, it’s tempting to reach for a bottle. But while a drink might feel like a good way to cope with winter stress, alcohol often ends up making problems worse. Have a look at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/alcohol for useful advice. And if you are having a drink, try to enjoy it mindfully, in line with our next tip …
3. Slow down into the moment
   When we’re stressed, we often find ourselves living in our minds without realising it – racing ahead anxiously (“what if?”) or mulling over things gloomily (“if only”). This means we can miss the moments that truly bring us happiness – ones as simple but rewarding as fussing a pet, watching something fun on TV, or properly enjoying that mince pie. In a world which wants us constantly to be switched on, slowing down and really engaging with what we’re doing, in any given moment, is a powerful thing to do.
4. Stay connected … on your terms!
   Winter can be a lonely time – it can feel like everyone else is having fun, and we’re not. Often that stops us from reaching out – “ach, they won’t want to hear from me”. But if we don’t try, we’ll never know. So if there’s someone you want to connect with: pick up the phone, or maybe try a video call. It might make their day – as well as yours. At the same time, of course, watch how long you spend online: it’s really easy to get digitally fatigued. And that’s where our final tip comes in …
5. Stay active
   When we think about good mental health, we often overlook our physical health – yet it’s essential. So try to stay active – wrapping up nice and cosy and taking a walk on a crisp winter’s day can be a beautiful thing to do, and is really good for both our physical and psychological wellbeing.

Where to get help

Anyone who needs emergency help should call 999. If it is not an emergency, call NHS 24 on 111 or make an appointment to speak to your GP.

• Find help online lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/
• Call Samaritans on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Call Breathing Space on 0800 838587

Staff Mental Health

Visit our Your Health Matters page for further information and resources.

Ongoing support services