NHS 24 is urging people across Scotland to take simple steps to support their mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week.
The awareness week runs from 11th to 17th May, with this year’s theme focused on “Take Action”.
NHS 24 says small steps can make a difference, whether that is looking after your own wellbeing, checking in on someone else, or knowing where to turn if urgent support is needed.
Lauren Kennedy, Lead Nurse for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at NHS 24, said people should not wait until they reach crisis point before seeking help.
She said: “Taking action can be as simple as doing something that helps you cope, chatting with a loved one, or knowing where to turn if your mental health feels overwhelming.
“Taking care of your mental health can start with just one action for yourself, like stepping outside for fresh air or practicing a calming technique when you’re feeling anxious. One action for someone else might be checking in on a friend or listening without judgement if they want to talk.
“And one action for all of us is knowing where to get urgent help. Support is available day and night, so no one must face things alone.”
Photo: Lauren Kennedy, Lead Nurse for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at NHS 24
Photo Credit: NHS 24
NHS 24 provides a range of free mental health services for people living in Scotland, including digital wellbeing resources and telephone support for those who need urgent help.
Lauren added: “Knowing where to turn can take away some of the fear at a difficult moment. Reaching out for help is a positive action and something that should be done as soon as support is needed.”
NHS 24’s Breathing Space service offers confidential support by phone on 0800 83 85 87 and through webchat for people in Scotland aged 16 and over.
The NHS 24 Mental Health Hub can also be accessed by calling 111. Calls can be made for yourself, for a child, or on behalf of someone else.
More information on mental wellbeing support is available from NHS inform and NHS 24’s mental health services, here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-support/mental-health-services-at-nhs-24.