The Highland Council in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership are supporting World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October 2022.
Observed each year to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out for help.
The theme this year is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
Working to make sure that mental health is treated on a par with physical health.
Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone.
We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health as individuals and in our communities across Highland.
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee Vice Chair, Cllr Muriel Cockburn said:
“By supporting and recognising World Mental Health Day, we are able to increase our understanding of Mental Health and its impact on our lives.
“We are all experiencing additional stresses and uncertainty because of global factors, COVID-19 pandemic recovery and the cost of living crisis.
“This means many of us across Highland are likely to be feeling the effects of reduced Mental Health.
“Help lessen the stigma around mental health by reaching out to family and friends, often by making people aware that you are there for them can be a welcome relief to those struggling.
“There are local mental health support groups across Highland, many of whom share lived experience of mental health issues.
“They offer a confidential, friendly listening service and can help direct you to local groups/support in your area.”
For information on Highland Mental Wellbeing and to locate groups in your area go to: Highland Mental Wellbeing – A collection of resources to support mental wellbeing (scot.nhs.uk)
Taking care of our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health and there are many resources available to the public which can help manage emotional wellbeing and which address dealing with issues such as isolation, sleep disturbance, and anxiety; they also provide short and valuable techniques to help everyone take care of their mental health, in addition to staying physically fit.
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you’re worried about someone you know – help is available.
You’re not alone; across Highland there are mental health groups and charities there to help support anyone experiencing poor mental health or for those worried about friends, family, or colleagues.
Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.
Are you, or individuals you are supporting, experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, worry, low mood, sleep problems or stress?
Come and find out about self-management interventions that can help by joining us on Monday 10 October for a free online Mental Health and Wellbeing Webinar.
Information can be found here
Prevent Suicide Highland Smartphone App:
The app provides guidance for members of the public as to what they can do to help someone experiencing mental distress and perhaps contemplating suicide and it can be downloaded for free here
If you, or someone you care for, is in immediate danger call 999.
If the crisis is not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 or speak to your GP.
There are other services you can contact 24 hours a day for support, as per the following:
• Samaritans – 116 123 (calls are free and do not show on a phone bill)
• Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87.
The Scottish Government have also developed a site clearyourhead.scot to help us get through these times.
