Mental Health During Covid-19

This week is mental health week. Signpost to mental health advice and wellbeing support during the Coronavirus.

We are all likely to be under increased pressure over this period. It is going to be crucial that we are all able to talk openly and honestly about our mental health and wellbeing and we know how to get help and support when we need it.

Help in a crisis

If you, or someone you care for, is in immediate danger call 999. If the crisis is not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 or speak to your GP.

There are other services you can contact for support, as per the following:

Samaritans
Provides confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
Open: 24/7
Phone: 116 123 (free to phone)
Text: 07725 90 90 90
email: jo@samaritans.org
Visit their website here

Breathing Space
For those feeling worried or down, experienced advisors listen and offer information and advice.
Open: Mon-Thurs 6pm-2am, 24hrs on weekends (6pm Fri- 6am Mon)
Phone: 0800 838 587 (free to phone, # won’t show up on telephone bills)
Click here for their webchat – Open Mon-Fr from 6pm-10pm
Website: https ://breathingspace.scot

Young Minds
Provides support for children and young people around coping with self harm and suicidal feelings.
Text YM to 85285
Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am – 4pm
Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Childline

Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone: 0800 1111

Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/

NHS Living Life
Free phone service for those aged 16+ experiencing anxiety, low mood and mild to moderate depression. Offers guided self-help and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Phone: 0800 328 9655

Ewen’s Room
A confidential telephone helpline and a text-based support service for people who need to talk.
Open: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat and Sun 12pm-10pm
Phone: 01967 750855
Text: 07537 431637
Website: http://www.ewensroom.com/helpline/

National Scottish Domestic Violence Helpline
A national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
Open : 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 0800 027 1234
Website: http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/

Online resources

Visit the Breathing Space website for some tips on staying connected and online resources specifically designed to help you cope with staying home and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://breathingspace.scot

The NHS Inform COVID-19 page has suggestions and advice for coping with the effects of self-isolation, social shielding, and social distancing on your mental wellbeing.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

The SAMH website includes help with anxiety, OCD, issues for older people and young people, benefits, and coping with distressing news coverage.

https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-information-hub

Visit Age Scotland which supports older people, to learn more about keeping active and boosting mental wellbeing at this time. You can also phone the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222. It’s open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/your-wellbeing/

Support for parents – Tips, advice and where to get support for your child’s mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/supporting-your-child-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

Young Scot website has a lot of information on coping with the COVID-19 pandemic for young people.

https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus

The Young Minds blog has a range of resources, and useful advice about how COVID-19 can affect young people with different mental health conditions.

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/

Scottish Government Clear your head site is full of tips and ideas to help us get through these times.

https://clearyourhead.scot/