This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Mental health advice for festive season
21/12/2003
Mental health is just as important as physical
health over this festive season the Chief Medical
Officer said today.
Dr Mac Armstrong said:
"For many, this is a time of joy and celebration
with friends and family but for others it may be a time
of sadness or anxiety caused by the loss or illness of
a loved one, financial hardship or pressure. Looking
after our mental health is one seasonal gift we can all
give both to ourselves and others.
"We know that one in four people inScotlandwill be affected by mental ill health at some time in
their lives, and that many know of a loved one, colleague
or friend who experiences mental health problems.
"The festive period makes no exception and for some
their difficulties may be heightened. Stress,
worry, financial pressures and depression can have an
impact at this time of year and it is important to remember
to look after your own mental well-being and that of
others.
"One of the simplest messages is to be aware.
Some may be feeling sadness, stress, tension or
loneliness. Many may feel alone and lonely themselves
or at a loss as to how to help others. You might be
able to make things a little easier by just being there
to listen and talk and maybe visit people you know who
may be vulnerable.
"There are many local and national health
professionals, helplines and other support services
which can help. Friends, family members, neighbours and
colleagues are often the people we turn to most often
to talk bout our concerns. Please be aware of your
mental health around Christmas and New Year and be
aware of the mental health of those around you."
Some basic advice for mental health at this time
of year is:
- Ask for help - don't be afraid to ask for
help or accept it
- Be active - physical activity can help your
mental well-being
- Be with people - keep communicating and
interacting, and perhaps tell those you trust as to
how you are feeling
- Try to relax - balance responsibilities and
work with recreation and leisure activities
- Be sensible around alcohol - alcohol can act
as a depressant
- When trying to help others: respond to
requests for help, listen without
judgement, encourage contacting skilled
professionals and be aware of behaviour or attitude
change and those who may need support
Help is available 24/7 over the next few weeks as
at any other time of year.
Dr Bill Reith, Royal College of General
Practitioners (Scotland), said:
"We appreciate that many people find Christmas a
difficult time to cope with. Although most surgeries
will be closed on the public holidays over Christmas
and New Year, there is always someone on call to help.
If you foresee problems for yourself or a loved one,
don't be afraid to ask your practice for
advice."
Useful telephone helplines include:
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24
NHS Helpline: 0800 22 44 88
These agencies also provide resources,
information and help on the internet.
Information can also be obtained from
NHS Health
Scotland and Depression AllianceScotlandpublish a leaflet Surviving Depression at
Christmas.
Other useful helplines are:
Domestic Abuse helpline: 0800 027
1234
Childline: 0800 1111
Parentline: 0808 800 2222
DepressionAllianceScotland: 0131 467 3050
The Executive's National Programme for Improving
Mental Health and Well-Being is supported by £24
million investment from the Executive's Health
Improvement Budget.
Details of the programme and its work can be found
on:
www.wellontheweb.net as well as
Well? What Do You Think? A National Scottish Survey of
Public Attitudes to Mental Health, Well Being And Mental
Health Problems.