Looking after mental health in Covid-19 crisis is essential says Maree Todd MSP
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Looking after your mental health is vital during Coronavirus lockdown, says Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a further £1 million investment in mental health services in Scotland today.
The investment will go towards the expansion of the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme to help people in distress, and the launch of a new mental health marketing campaign.
This is in addition to a £3.8 million funding package previously announced by the Scottish Government which will be used to expand mental health services in Scotland, allowing them to cope with the further demand caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Of that, £2.6 million will be used to expand the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space telephone helpline and £1.2 million will be used to provide extra capacity for computerised cognitive behaviour therapy.
Maree Todd said this is undoubtedly an overwhelming time for many people.
"I want to emphasise the importance of looking after our mental health in the same way we look after our physical health.
“Our day-to-day lives have changed drastically and it’s to be expected that this will affect our mental wellbeing, therefore it’s crucial that those who are struggling to cope are able to access the support they need.
“There are some great resources out there, from Breathing Space – the confidential phone and web-based service for those experiencing low mood – to Samaritans and Shout who offer 24-hour emotional support.
Ms Todd added: "We need each other more than ever. Phone your family and friends, check in with them regularly and ask how they are doing.
“There are small changes we can make ourselves to improve our mental wellbeing, from minimising our exposure to news which we may find distressing to staying physically active – within the current guidance.
“Many of you will know how much I enjoy running a daily mile. I’ve been enjoying seeing new signs of spring each day: snow patches shrinking on the Ben, lambs in the fields, and leaves unfurling on the trees as well as beautiful blossoms and flowers. Noticing these things while I’m running, helps keep me mentally as well as physically strong.
“Remember, help is out there if you need it, so please reach out.”
Among the mental health support services available are:
- Breathing Space offers a confidential phone and web-based service for those experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Website: www.breathingspace.scot Tel: 0800 83 85 87
- Samaritans offers 24-hour emotional support for anyone struggling to cope. Website: www.samaritans.org Tel: 116 123
- Shout is volunteer run and offers a 24/7 crisis text service. The service is free on all major networks and is for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Website: www.giveusashout.org Text: 85258
- Visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus for the latest updates on coronavirus from NHS Scotland. If you’re experiencing symptoms call NHS 24 on 111.
The DBI programme which launched in 2017 currently operates in Lanarkshire, the Borders, Inverness and Aberdeen. Around £1,038,000 will be invested in recruiting staff to expand and develop the Distress Brief Intervention programme nationwide.
The nationwide DBI programme will mean that people in distress related to Covid-19 who have no need for clinical intervention will be either linked directly by phone to NHS 24 by the first responder, or directed to phone NHS 24 if they are able to.
Once through to NHS 24 an initial assessment will be made as to next steps, and whether they should then be referred to the DBI programme. If they are referred the distress responder will follow up with a phone call within 24 hours of referral.
