As the coronavirus outbreak continues, people may be feeling isolated and overwhelmed, or perhaps grieving for things they have lost, so NHS Lanarkshire is reminding residents that mental health support is available if they need it.
The most important thing people can do to protect their mental health is to stay connected and to talk about how they are feeling. Advice and professional support is available:
- Find help online lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/
- Call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Call Breathing Space on 0800 838587
- Find help on elament.org.uk
People who are struggling to cope after trying these resources should then contact their GP or NHS24 on 111.
It is especially important for parents and carers to look after their own health and to check in on how children are coping as home schooling, being separated from friends, and a lack of routine can take a toll. Resources for parents, children and young people are available on youthlinkscotland.org and on the NHS Lanarkshire website. Free online mental health support is also available for all 16-19 year-old residents of South Lanarkshire at www.togetherall.com.
Jenny Hutton, public mental health and wellbeing development manager at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Helping people cope with the emotional impact of this pandemic is a priority. We know many people are feeling isolated, anxious and down at the moment. Talking really does help and we want to make sure that everyone can access support when they need it.
“There is also a great campaign called ‘Brew Monday,’ which recognizes that January is dark and cold, money can be tight, and we are in middle of a lockdown. It encourages everyone to start their week by taking some time out to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and connecting with friends online. Sometimes small acts like this can make a world of difference.”
For those who are looking for a way to clear their heads, tips are available on clearyourhead.scot/winter. NHS Lanarkshire recommends finding ways to connect with loved ones and with the wider community safely. Some tips for doing this include:
- Make plans to meet a friend for a walk;
- Doing acts of kindness can boost your self esteem. Small things like paying someone a genuine compliment can boost a person’s energy and make you feel good too;
- Volunteering makes us feel good. To find out what’s going on in Scotland and how you can get involved visit ready.scot;
- You can also show friends that you’re there if they need to share their feelings.
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Notes to editors
- NHS Lanarkshire is the third largest health board in Scotland, serving a population of 655,000 across rural and urban communities. Its aim is for everyone to live longer, healthier lives at home, or in a homely setting, and it is committed to delivering high quality, innovative health and social care that is person-centred.
- NHS Lanarkshire employs around 12,000 staff working in communities, health centres, clinics and offices, and at three university general hospitals – University Hospital Hairmyres, University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw.
