Supporting your own mental health and wellbeing
We all have mental health. Our mental health is affected by virtually everything we experience in life.
Just like our physical health, there are times when our mental health is better or worse. Experiences such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, job loss or financial difficulties can affect our ability to cope. Some things, we as individuals have little control over.
There are a number of things we can all do to support our own wellbeing, protect our mental health and live more mentally healthy lives. You’ll find a range of local and national resources available in our mental health and wellbeing support pages.
You can also speak to your GP who will be able to talk to you about other help that is available, including face to face support.
Urgent mental health support
NHS 24 mental health services are available to everyone in Scotland, of all ages. You can phone 111 if you are:
- feeling distressed
- in a state of despair
- suicidal
- in need of emotional support
When you phone 111, choose the mental health option and you will be connected to the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub.
Helplines
If you are experiencing mental or emotional difficulties and need someone to talk to immediately, there are a number of phone helplines who can provide emotional support.
- Samaritans - telephone: 116 123 (24 hours) or email: jo@samaritans.org
- Breathing Space - telephone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon – Thurs 6pm – 2am, Fri 6pm – Mon 6am)
- Childline - telephone: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
- Papyrus - prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247: 0800 068 41 41
Mental health in the workplace
Evidence shows that work is good for mental health and lack of employment has a negative effect on our wellbeing.
It is important that work does not have a negative impact on how we feel. Public Health Scotland’s website Healthy Working Lives has information, training and resources available to help support mental health in the workplace. If you are employer, this provides advice and information aimed at supporting a mentally healthy workplace.
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) provides practical tools for anyone wanting to look after their mental health in the workplace as well as resources and training for employers.