Feeling low? NHS 24 services can help this festive season
NHS 24 is keen to make people who may be feeling low this winter that there is help available.
While Christmas and Hogmanay can be great fun, they can also make people feel more anxious and lonelier. Winter months can be a difficult time, with bad weather and very little daylight which affects how people feel.
The health service offers a range of advice and information to help people cope with the additional stress of the holiday period, as well as services to access when more help is needed.
NHS 24 delivers Scotland’s online health information service NHS inform, where there is a lot of mental health and wellbeing advice for a variety of conditions.
David McKissock, a senior charge nurse within NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub, says there’s no need to deal with problems alone.
“Whether you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or simply in need of someone to talk to, there is always support available to help,” he said. “For urgent assistance with your mental health you should contact your GP or mental health team, but if you need help out-of-hours, our Mental Health Hub can be accessed by ringing 111. There you’ll be connected to our dedicated team who are ready to listen, provide advice, and guide you towards the support you need.
“The festive season can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our mental health services at NHS 24 are here for everyone in Scotland, regardless of age.”
Breathing Space is a free and confidential service for anyone aged over 16 in Scotland who is experiencing low mood, anxiety, or depression. The phone lines on 0800 83 85 87 and webchat are open Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2.am and Friday from 6pm to Monday until 6am.
NHS inform’s mental health resources can be found at: nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health