With rising case numbers in Lanarkshire of the new Omicron variant and the uncertainty over festive plans, it’s understandable that people’s anxiety levels are running high in the run up to Christmas.
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 this year.
While many of us look forward with excitement to Christmas and New Year, for many others it can be a difficult, sad, stressful or lonely time.
The pandemic, consecutive lockdowns and new Covid variants – combined with remote working and studying – have taken a toll on many people’s mental health.
In response, there was a need for NHS Lanarkshire Psychological Services to launch a new website – Lanarkshire Mind Matters – that signposts people to the wide range of services available online.
There are courses, information resources and links to help people to find better ways to cope with a wide range of problems such as anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
For example, two new online programmes, Daylight and Sleepio are offered through the website and can be accessed at any time of the day or night. Designed and tested by experts, and already used widely around the world, the programmes offer personalised help for two common problems: anxiety and poor sleep.
Dr Simon Stuart, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Digital Lead for Psychological Services at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Our message is that “It’s OK to feel what you’re feeling,” and if someone needs help with their mental health, there is support available.
“The Lanarkshire Mind Matters website is a great place to begin: it provides trustworthy, high-quality information you can use straight away.
“And if people need more specific help, there are of course, further options. Your GP will be able to offer further advice and link you to our other services if needs be.”
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
Coping with winter stress – our five top tips
Dr Simon Stuart, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Dr Emily Pathe, Counselling Psychologist
NHS Lanarkshire Psychological Services
- 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?
- 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 …
- 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.
- 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 …
- 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.
