Tag: mental health

Suicide Prevention Strategy: ‘Creating Hope Together’

New approach to reducing suicide in Scotland

At the end of September last year, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched a new long-term strategy for suicide prevention, Creating Hope Together. On Thursday (28th June) the next, important step in that journey took place with an event at Borders College in Galashiels …

Suicide prevention will be ramped up as the Government and COSLA publish a 10-year strategy to tackle the factors and inequalities that can lead to suicide.

The strategy will draw on levers across national and local government to address the underlying social issues that can cause people to feel suicidal, while making sure the right support is there for people and their families.

This fresh approach will help people at the earliest possible opportunity and aim to reduce the number of suicides – ensuring efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, debt, and addiction include measures to address suicide.

The Scottish Government will fund the Scottish Recovery Network as part of the initial three-year action plan. This will boost community peer-support groups to allow people to discuss their feelings and drive down suicide.

The strategy is supported by record funding through the Programme for Government commitment to double the annual budget to £2.8 million by 2025-2026. It will build on the work of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group and continue delivering the existing ‘Every Life Matters’ action plan.

Launching the ‘Creating Hope Together: Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022-2032’, Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Every death by suicide is a tragedy and, while the number of deaths have fallen in recent years, I want to use every lever at our disposal to drive that down further.

“That’s why we are taking a new approach to suicide prevention – considering all the social issues that can lead people to feel suicidal, while supporting those contemplating suicide and their loved ones.

“Peer support is an effective way to support people in their communities, helping them to feel heard and understood.  I’m pleased this strategy will provide funding for the Scottish Recovery Network to continue its vital work for people experiencing – and recovering from – mental health issues.”

Councillor Kelly, the COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “This approach to suicide prevention will build on the work taking place across local areas in Scotland.

“It will see the partnerships across communities strengthened and build on the collaboration between local and national work to ensure we share the knowledge and insights to help drive suicide prevention forward.

“This strategy will see work which reaches into new areas beyond the traditional settings of health and social care such as education, justice and physical activity, so we can truly see suicide prevention as Everyone’s Business.”

creating-hope-together-scotlands-suicide-prevention-strategy-2022-2032-1Download

An important part of the new strategy and action plan is the launch of a new delivery model which we’re calling Suicide Prevention Scotland to drive the action plan.

The model is actually really simple. 

We’re a community of people working together across different parts of Scotland to prevent suicide across our country. We will be developing strong partnerships, and using these to learn from best practice

Whether at local or national level, or within a key sector, we’re working as one group, to deliver a range of meaningful programmes of work as set out in the action plan.

Everything we do will be informed by the critical insight of lived, academic, professional and practice experience.

APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL DELIVERY LEAD FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Haylis Smith has been appointed to lead delivery of the action plan on behalf of the Scottish Government and COSLA, as the Suicide Prevention Scotland National Delivery Lead.

This is a new role, and Haylis brings more than two decades of experience leading work to prevent suicide.

STRATEGIC OUTCOME LEADS ANNOUNCED

The Creating Hope Together strategy has four key outcomes. 

These are the areas the strategy sets out where real change is needed to prevent suicide. 

To develop a partnership approach to the work, a strategic partner(s) has been appointed to drive delivery. They are:

  • Creating a safer environment that protects against suicide – Samaritans
  • Improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma – SAMH
  • Providing compassionate support for anyone affected by suicide – Penumbra & Change Mental Health
  • Working in a connected way, that always draws on evidence and lived experience – Public Health Scotland

As we move forward, we expect even more new partnerships and alliances to be created to deliver the action plan. 

This is an important part of the culture we’re creating in our Suicide Prevention Scotland.

OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

The Scottish Government and COSLA today also published an outcomes framework.

This sets out how our actions will build over the next ten years to achieve our vision of reducing suicide, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide. It will support how we plan, measure and report the difference we are making on the ground.

You can read the document here.

YEAR ONE PRIORITIES

With a new innovative delivery partnership in place, the Scottish Government and COSLA have identified priorities for the first year of the strategy, with a real focus on reaching people with a higher risk of suicide.

These have been informed by people with professional, academic, lived and practice experience.

They are:

  1. We will activate the whole of Government and society policy package — so that a wide range of Government policies and their delivery on the ground — are working to prevent suicide. We will make the strongest connections possible with policies which address the social determinants of suicide, such as poverty and homelessness. We will also make sure we use all the touch points that people have with services to proactively be alert to suicide risk and offer compassionate support.
  2. We will focus on improving safety at key locations of concern for suicide.
  3. We will build on the Time Space Compassion approach, to keep improving the way people are supported and cared for when they are suicidal. We will focus our work in primary care, unscheduled care, and community settings.
  4. We will support new peer support groups right across Scotland.
  5. We will build more understanding of suicide risk and behaviour amongst children and young people and use that to improve responses.
  6. We will keep raising awareness and improving learning about suicide. We will target our work, so we build this understanding in sectors that support groups with a higher risk of suicide. Our current work in West Highlands and Skye will help us build greater understanding of what encourages particular groups to seek help.
  7. We will develop an online portal which hosts information and advice on suicide, to help people who may be suicidal and anyone worried for someone, as well as professionals.
  8. We will roll-out suicide reviews and improve data to help redesign the way support is given to people who are suicidal — ensuring that support is both timely and effective.
  9. We will work with partners in high-risk settings for suicide, to build effective and compassionate suicide prevention action plans.
  10. And last but not least, we will step up our United to Prevent Suicide social movement with a new focus on boosting employer engagement and reaching groups most likely to be affected by suicide. We will continue to be creative, using different mediums, such as sport and social media, to tackle stigma and create ways for people to talk safely about suicide.

A NEW ADVISORY GROUP

The new National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group will play a vital role.

They will provide independent assurance and advice to the Scottish Government and COSLA on progress, informed by the new outcomes framework.

Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM will chair this new group. 

Its members represent many of the sectors leading work on the social determinants of suicide, including poverty, as well as partners who are working in key sectors affected by suicide — such as the criminal justice sector. 

Members have all been selected to help us understand suicide better.

They will help us sharpen focus on the complexity, intersectionality and inequality of suicide.

Doing so will help us deliver impactful actions. We are sure their collective professional insights and passion for the mission, will also make a great difference to our work.

The new group’s membership is:

  • Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM — Chair
  • Cath Denholm — Executive Director, Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland
  • Dr Linda Findlay — Chair, Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland
  • Louise Hunter — Chief Executive, Who Cares? Scotland
  • Dr Douglas Hutchison — President of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland
  • Peter Kelly — Director, Poverty Alliance
  • Sheriff David Mackie — Board Member, Scottish Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders
  • Catherine McWilliam — Director of Nations, Institute of Directors
  • Brendan Rooney — Executive Director, Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust
  • Dr Andrea Williamson — Professor of General Practice and Inclusion Health, University of Glasgow

CREATING HOPE IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

As part of today’s Go Live event in Galashiels, we’ve published a new film that explores suicide prevention work in the Scottish Borders. It tells the story of how the local approach has been refreshed in light of the new national strategy’s approach.

Highlighting the range and depth of partnerships across the area, we hear powerful stories of how a community is coming together to prevent suicide.

Watch/download: Creating Hope in the Scottish Borders 

You are welcome to use this video, crediting Suicide Prevention Scotland. Please do note edit the video. Closed caption files are available, here.

REFLECTING ON TODAY’S UPDATES

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s new National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith has welcomed today’s announcements: “There has been a huge amount of detailed work over the last eight months to operationalise the Creating Hope Together strategy and action plan.

“Our delivery collective, Suicide Prevention Scotland, is an innovative approach to working together as a suicide prevention community.

“It includes people working across the public, private, and third sectors as well as community groups. Importantly, it also includes many people with lived experience of suicide. This approach builds on the work of the last five years.

“The shared goal is — of course — to prevent suicide, but we’re also focused on how we’ll do this. We will create safer environments, understand better the factors which contribute to suicide, and provide support to those affected. And we will work collaboratively, using evidence and the insight of those with lived experience.

“It’s also important to stress that our work will also focus on addressing inequalities and the needs of those at higher risk of suicide. This will include work to address the needs of children and young people. Our Youth Advisory Group will play a key role in supporting this.”

Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd MSP said: “Together with COSLA we are fully committed to reducing suicide deaths in Scotland. 

“This announcement of our year one priorities is a real milestone in delivering our new ambitious strategy Creating Hope Together, and we are focusing on reaching people who may be at risk of suicide and working to tackle the inequalities which can lead to suicide.

“Our new innovative partnership model is now in place to deliver this ambition programme of work, and our new Advisory Group brings great expertise and impartiality to oversee and champion the work, making sure our work leads to real change on the ground right across Scotland.

“I am pleased to say that the Scottish Government is well on track to doubling the suicide prevention budget by 2026, with funding last year well over £2 million. 

“I would like to pay real thanks to the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Panel and Youth Advisory Group, and all partners. I look forward to undertaking this incredibly important work together.”

COSLA’s Health & Social Care spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “I am delighted that COSLA is part of the newly announced suicide prevention delivery collective, ‘Suicide Prevention Scotland’.

“We were proud to launch Creating Hope Together — an ambitious Suicide Prevention Strategy — with the Scottish Government last year. 

“The announcements today represent a key milestone for the strategy, and one which recognises that we can ultimately support more people who are affected by suicide when we work in partnership. 

“The National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group’s membership brings a broad range of expertise and experience which will also help us understand how we can better address the inequalities people experience.

“The strategy outcomes are ambitious and rightly so — together we can and will reduce the number of suicide deaths in Scotland. 

“We thank those working in suicide prevention in Scotland for their ongoing commitment and are looking forward to continuing this vital work.”

Media colleagues are encouraged to follow best practice when reporting on suicide. In particular, we recommend the Samaritans guidelines.

We also encourage calling out for people who may be at risk and recommend the following: 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.

Promote, Prevent, Provide: Scotland’s new mental health strategy published

A new strategy to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people across Scotland has been published.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, published in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), is built around three pillars of “Promote, Prevent, Provide”:

  • promoting positive mental health and wellbeing
  • preventing mental health issues occurring or escalating while tackling underlying causes
  • providing mental health and wellbeing support and care.

The strategy reflects views from more than 18 months of consultation, with a particular focus on the voices of lived experience and the role of inequalities. It details the standard of help people can expect, and outlines that it should be available locally where possible. It also recognises that specialist services are a crucial part of a high-functioning mental health system.

Social determinants and underlying causes of poor mental health have shaped the new approach, with a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “Mental health does not just mean mental illness. It is important that we all maintain good mental wellbeing, and that we recognise there are many underlying social determinants, circumstances and inequalities that can affect people’s mental health.

“To deliver the ambitions of this strategy, and to create real and lasting change, we will need collaboration from a wide range of partners across Scotland including health boards, integration joint boards health and social care partnerships, as well as the third sector.

“This strategy has equalities at its heart. We have set out the outcomes we want to achieve so that we can be held to account for our progress and to show how this strategy is making a real difference to people’s lives. The accompanying Delivery Plan and Workforce Action Plan will be published in the autumn and will detail the work we will take forward to achieve those outcomes.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, Health and Social Care spokesperson for COSLA, said: “This strategy sets out an ambitious vision to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in Scotland.

“Through the strategy and the associated delivery plan we seek to bring real change, ensuring for example, that our communities are equipped to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and  that there is  increased availability of timely and effective care, support and treatment.  

“We know that working collectively presents the best opportunity to achieve these goals and bring lasting change. We are committed to working in partnership across spheres of government, with those with lived experience, those who deliver services, and our valued  partners and stakeholders, to realise this vision together.” 

Gordon Johnston, Chair of Voices of Experience (VOX Scotland), said: “We welcome the new strategy and we are particularly heartened by the meaningful involvement of our members and people with lived experience of mental health conditions throughout the development of this.

“It is positive to see the strategy outline outcomes and priorities which reflect our members’ feedback and needs regarding timely and effective support, better informed policy shaped by people with lived experience, greater community resources and the expansion and improvement of services for those in distress and crisis.

“We also look forward to the publication of the delivery plan and continuing to work with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the new strategy.”

mental-health-wellbeing-strategyDownload

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Embarrassment stops Scots from seeking financial help

  • Nearly 4 in 10 say they wouldn’t ask for financial help if they were in trouble due to embarrassment
  • 81% say they feel anxious about their financial situation
  • 44% say they feel more worried about their financial situation now, compared to a year ago

New research has revealed that those in Scotland are the most at risk of financial turmoil due to embarrassment about their financial situation.

The findings, which were part of a UK-wide study by financial comparison website, NerdWallet UK, found that those in Scotland – alongside those in the South West – are the most likely to not seek help should they find themselves in financial difficulty due to the embarrassment around the topic.

Almost two-fifths of those surveyed said that embarrassment would stop them from seeking help, while just under one-third would be concerned about the impact doing so would have on their credit history, as well as worries around confidentiality. The same number also believe they can manage on their own and do not need external help.

Other reasons which would stop Scots from getting help include, the cost of getting financial advice (29%), and worryingly, just over a quarter said they were not aware of any organisations to help them with debt, or how to contact them.

If I was struggling financially, the following would stop me from asking for help – Scotland:

ReasonPercentage who agreed
I would feel embarrassed37%
I’m worried about the impact on my credit history31%
I’m worried about confidentiality31%
I think I can manage on my own31%
I don’t want to pay for advice29%
I don’t think my financial situation is serious enough28%
I’m not aware of the debt help organisations or how to contact them26%
I don’t want to speak about my problems on the phone23%

This is despite 81% of Scots saying they feel anxious about their financial situation, and 25% saying these feelings are daily occurrences.

Furthermore, 44% of respondents in Scotland say they feel more worried about their financial situation now, than they did a year ago.

When asked who they would go to or help first, almost half (48%) said they would speak to their partner or close family member, while 12% said they would speak to a friend.

Adam French, senior editor at NerdWallet UK, said, “It’s worrying that so many Scots would not get help due to embarrassment. Struggling financially is never something to be embarrassed about, and if the cost of living crisis has taught us anything over the last 18 months, it’s that financial trouble can happen to any of us, at any time.

“Getting help when you first find yourself in financial difficulty, and not burying your head in the sand can help to relieve a lot of stress and anxiety around money, and find a way out before things get worse.

“There are plenty of independent experts and companies available to speak to, for free, including Granton Information Centre, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Step Change. Everything is confidential, and discussing concerns will not impact your credit score.”

For information on NerdWallet, and to view the full dataset, visit: 

https://www.nerdwallet.com/uk/personal-finance/money-and-mental-health-study/

Call for greater resourcing as spending to support vulnerable children is slashed by over a third

  • Cut of £1,870 per pupil since 2012/13 on spending for those identified with ASN
  • Postcode lottery of spending between local authorities on ASN
  • Near doubling in the number of pupils with ASN from 2012
  • Cut in the number of ASN teachers by more than 500

An alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), has called for greater resourcing to support children and young people with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems.

The call comes as new figures contained in a parliamentary answer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP. This reveals that spending supporting those pupils with ASN has slumped by over a third. It comes against a backdrop of the number of pupils with ASN increasing dramatically and the number of specialist teachers supporting them dropping to a new low.

While the SCSC supports a presumption of mainstreamingfor pupils with ASN, meaning that they are educated in a mainstream school unless exceptional circumstances, without adequate resourcing there is an obvious impact on those with ASN, fellow pupils and teachers.

The SCSC is calling on the Scottish Government to increase funding to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people, including greater provision of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists and classroom assistants.

The figures highlight that average spending per pupil on additional support for learning by councils in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £5,381 in the 2012/13 financial year to £3,511 in 2021/22 (in real terms). This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £1,870 per pupil, representing a 34.8 per cent drop.

There is a wide variation in spending on pupils who need additional support, ranging from £2,278 per pupil in the Scottish Borders to £6,887 in the Shetland Islands, highlighting a postcode lottery in spending across local authorities.

This fall is against the backdrop of a 97.2 per cent increase between 2012 and 2021 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 118,011 to 232,753, amounting to 114,742 individuals. Those with ASNcurrently represent around a third of all pupils (33.0 per cent).

Between 2012 and 2021 the number of full-time equivalent ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,389 to an all-time low of 2,886, a decrease of 503 teachers, representing a cut in numbers of 14.8 per cent.

Against the background of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, with its disproportionate impact on those with ASN, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and councils to ensure that those with ASN receive the care and support they need, provided in an equitable manner across Scotland.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need, when they need it, especially given the impacts of the Covid-19 and cost-of-living crisis.

“This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap, as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.

“We are in a mental health emergency and have also witnessed dramatic increases in classroom disruption, impacting on pupils and teachers alike. This is in part due to increased levels of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties post-lockdown.

“Given this, it is disappointing to note cuts in spending supporting those with ASN and we would urge the Scottish Government to adequately resource the provision of the likes of specialist teachers, educational psychologists and classroom assistants.

“Councils and the Scottish Government must work together to provide an adequately resourced and equitable system of support across Scotland for those children and young people with ASN, representing some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “

ASL spending per pupil (£, cash terms)

 2021-22
Aberdeen City3,149
Aberdeenshire2,366
Angus3,117
Argyll and Bute3,722
City of Edinburgh3,278
Clackmannanshire5,252
Dumfries and Galloway3,340
Dundee City2,391
East Ayrshire4,368
East Dunbartonshire4,351
East Lothian3,708
East Renfrewshire2,964
Falkirk3,932
Fife2,848
Glasgow City4,635
Highland3,044
Inverclyde3,905
Midlothian4,358
Moray3,342
Na h-Eileanan Siar5,676
North Ayrshire2,147
North Lanarkshire5,571
Orkney Islands4,543
Perth and Kinross3,105
Renfrewshire3,629
Scottish Borders2,278
Shetland Islands6,887
South Ayrshire4,881
South Lanarkshire3,722
Stirling2,500
West Dunbartonshire3,479
West Lothian2,887
All Local Authorities3,511

Healthy Heart Tip: Keep on top of your mental health

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Keep on top of your mental health

The 15th-21st of May is mental health awareness week in the UK. We know that each year in England, one in four people will experience some sort of mental health problem.

Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support.

Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check:

Create balance

When we are busy and have lots of responsibilities such as work, family commitments and looking after a house we can be more susceptible to suffering from mental health conditions.

Often, in times of overwhelm, the first things to suffer are our nutrition, exercise and sleep. These three things are important for optimal mental health. Try to balance your day-to-day demands with some exercise, me-time, time to prepare meals and implement a good sleep routine.

Use your support network

If the above point sounds like too much to manage on your own, ask for help. Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any challenges you are experiencing.

People are often more than happy to offer support but may not realise you are struggling if you don’t let them know. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.

Check in

Checking in with ourselves and noticing trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health.

Apps such as Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Anxiety is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: 15 – 21 MAY 2023

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.

Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.

At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.

Mental Health Foundation’s Alexa Knight said: “I was thrilled to join the Mental Health Foundation earlier this year, having worked in health policy all my life. Many of us have struggled with our mental health in recent years, and it feels like there’s never been a more important time to support and protect our mental well-being.

“The Mental Health Foundation’s approach – preventing mental health problems before they happen and supporting everyone to thrive – really resonates with me. And the icing on the cake is being part of Mental Health Awareness Week! I have joined in with Mental Health Awareness Week for many years and am delighted to now be part of making it happen.

“This year for Mental Health Awareness Week we are focusing on anxiety. We all feel anxious from time to time.

“Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us. For example, in the current cost-of-living crisis, more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation. But it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming.”

MHF-Scotland-Uncertain-times-Anxiety-in-the-UK-and-how-to-tackle-it-MHAW-2023-reportDownload
MHF-wear-it-green-day-2023-anxiety-bookletDownload

New Every Mind Matters campaign encourages public to get physical

Celebrities and medical experts including comedian Tom Davis, Dr Ranj Singh and Dr Linda Papadopoulos support new UK government campaign to boost mental health

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 22 May), Better Health – Every Mind Matters from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is launching a new campaign backed by BAFTA award-winning comedian, Tom Davis, TV and NHS doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, and leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, to encourage the nation to make the first move for their mental health and get active.

New research released today has revealed that three quarters (75%) of adults surveyed report feeling anxious, but less than half (45%) are aware that physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

The campaign is the latest action taken by government to improve people’s mental health. The government is already increasing investment in mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by March 2024 so that an additional two million people can get the support they need.

Last year, the draft Mental Health Bill was published, intended to modernise the Mental Health Act so that it’s fit for the 21st century and better supports people with serious mental illness, and the government has committed to publishing a Major Conditions Strategy to tackle conditions that contribute most to morbidity and mortality across the population in England, including mental ill health.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, BAFTA award-winning comedian and actor, Tom Davis, has opened up about his own mental health alongside NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, in support of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign. In a new film released today, the pair discuss how they deal with anxious thoughts and call on the nation to make the first move for their mental health by getting active.

https://youtu.be/yV-ZUPgt9Kc

Comedian and Actor, Tom Davis, comments: “Anxiety is no laughing matter. I’ve had a colourful career, from working on building sites, to the shop floor, to being a comedian in front of thousands, and I’ve struggled with anxiety in every role.

“There’s a big difference, though, to being outside your comfort zone versus feeling overwhelmed by it and letting your anxious thoughts hold you back. And being active for just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference.

“It’s important to find something that you enjoy and do it regularly. I love boxing and try to go often, but even taking my daughter to the park can really clear my head and help to keep those anxious jitters at bay.

NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, has also shared his tips on how to ease anxiety (see NTEs) and advice on how the public can start getting active for their mental health: “Anxiety is part of everyday life, and it can help us focus or take extra care when needed, but when it gets too much, it can have a really big impact on how we want to live our lives.

“Physical activity is one of the simplest, but most effective, things we can do to help alleviate anxious feelings, calm racing thoughts, and give us something to distract from negative thinking.

“Regular physical activity is best, but even a few minutes each day can help. I personally love dancing because some good music instantly lifts my mood!”

New research among 2,000 adults in England has revealed around four in 10 report having trouble sleeping (38%), feeling less confident (37%) and having less energy due to anxiety (35%).

For just under a quarter (24%), anxiety has stopped them from attending social events and almost one in 10 admit it’s even impacted their relationship, as they spend less time with their partner (8%).

Physical activity releases feel good hormones and improves mental health but, according to the new research, less than half of adults are aware that it’s proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety (45%), reduce stress (45%) and distract from negative thoughts (42%). Four in 10 adults are not doing the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

The research revealed that over a third (35%) of adults tend to use distraction techniques to relieve feelings of anxiety, including watching TV (47%), browsing the internet (36%) or even isolating themselves from others (33%). However, those who do regular physical activity report that it helps to boost their mood (68%), confidence (61%) and relieve anxious feelings (61%).

With almost one in five not doing any form of physical activity (19%), the research also revealed that not feeling motivated (41%), not enjoying physical activity (25%), and not having enough free time (19%) were the top barriers to getting active. Only 13% of us are aware of the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

Leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos commented: “People are often surprised to know the benefits that just a few minutes of movement can have on our mind; you don’t need to do a full body workout to reap the rewards.

“Being active increases feel good hormones, like endorphins, and can boost confidence. I always recommend getting outside for a brisk walk or gentle jog because being in nature can help us feel happier and more relaxed. And the best bit is it’s free!

Minister for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield, said: “We know poor mental health can significantly impact our quality of life, so I’m pleased to see this campaign highlighting the simple steps we can all take to reduce its impact – such as spotting and addressing the signs of anxiety early on.

“But we know sometimes more support is needed, and that’s why we’re currently investing £2.3 billion every year to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.”

Delivered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the Better Health–Every Mind Matters campaign offers NHS-approved tips and advice to help people manage their anxiety, including links to free NHS apps, such as Couch to 5K and Active 10, that will help them make the first move.

The Better Health – Every Mind Matters website also gives people the opportunity to sign up to anxiety-easing emails, offering expert advice to help them stay on top of their mental wellbeing and show them how to make these new steps part of their routine.

Social media:

#everymindmatters

#moveforyourmentalhealth

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

#MHAW / @NHS

Scots looking after their mental health can also find support at NHS inform’s Mind to Mind | NHS inform

Mental health matters – owning pets ‘a lifeline’ for many during the cost of living crisis, says PDSA

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May), a leading vet charity is advocating keeping pets and their owners together through the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all pet owners (94%) say that owning a pet makes them happy, according to new figures from the upcoming 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – and their support has been vital, especially as many people have been forced to make drastic cutbacks to stay afloat.

While worrying figures have shown that as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets, almost half of owners (44%) have also said that their four-legged friend has been a lifeline during the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all (90%) pet owners felt having a pet improved their lives, a comfort which is especially important as many feel the impact of the cost of living crisis. This figure is higher especially among dog (91%) and cat owners (89%).

The findings also highlight the benefits of having a pet on overall health, with 87% stating owning a pet makes them mentally healthier. While over two thirds (67%) feel it makes them physically healthier – a figure that is even higher among dog owners (86%).

Meanwhile, at a time where many people are having to juggle energy bills and soaring living costs, which can prove isolating, furry friends are essential when it comes to providing companionship. For example, the figures show that over four in five pet owners (85%) say that owning a pet makes them feel less lonely.

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “Pets are family, and we know that pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure they can continue to care for their beloved pets. It vitally important that with everything pets do for us, we make sure that they have everything they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“Our latest figures show pets are invaluable, especially when their owners are going through hardship. As the cost of living crisis worsens, the work of charities like ours becomes vital, not only to provide essential veterinary care, but also to keep pets and their owners together in their time of need.

“In 2022, we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost and may even have had to resort to other options such as rehoming – the mental health consequences of which are unimaginable.

“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I’d like to encourage pet owners who are struggling due to rising costs, and who are concerned about being able to afford the cost of veterinary treatment to reach out to us. Our website includes a free eligibility checker to find out whether they’re able to access our services, which is a great place to start.

“We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy – something we hope will take a mental load off for many pet owners through the cost of living crisis.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK. 

To help keep pets and people together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision. 

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost of loving crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis.

Open Door Wellbeing Day at ELREC

We are celebrating wellbeing and mental health awareness by organising Open Door Wellbeing Day at ELREC on the 20th May as part of Edinburgh ThriveFest #4 (15 to 21 May 2023) – a week of arts and activities supporting the intent to making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority.

We have put together a programme for you. Come and take part in wellbeing and creative activities on Saturday 20th of May.

Any form of art is an amazing way to look within ourselves and deal with stress and problems of everyday life.

Come and check yourself how great it can be for our wellbeing!

Spaces are limited, book your ticket for:

wellbeing breakfast & face yoga session 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/face-yoga-wellbeing…

macrame & wellbeing lunch 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/macrame-wellbeing-lunch…

woodwork & wellbeing lunch 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/woodwork-wellbeing-lunch…

conscious painting & tea 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/conscious-painting-tea…

Location: ELREC office on 14 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LH.

Thank you #ThriveEdinburgh for supporting us!