Did you know –
“1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.” (Source – Well? What do you think survey, Scottish Executive, 2002 and Common mental disorders a bio-social model, Goldberg, D. & Huxley, P. 1992)
We are all individuals. We all think and behave in our own way and react differently to stresses and strains. Some people might be lucky enough to go through life with hardly any problems but, for most of us, life has its ups and downs.
Sometimes it can be hard to deal with things, but with the right help, support and a bit of understanding it can be easier to cope with the difficult times.
Are you anxiety aware?
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether it’s preparing for a job interview or bringing up a child. It is normal to experience anxiety in everyday situations, however persistent and excessive anxiety can cause more serious mental health problems.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in nearly every country in the world, and while a low level of anxiety can be a useful motivating force, in some cases it can take over your life.
Find out more about anxiety and how to develop positive coping strategies at https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/scotland
See Me
See me is Scotland’s programme for ending mental health stigma and discrimination – you can find information and help on mental health issues here
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid, like any other type of first aid, is the help given to a person before appropriate professional help or treatment can be obtained. Mental Health First Aid is the help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before other help can be accessed.
The aims of Mental health First Aid are:
- To preserve life
- To provide help to prevent the mental health problem or crisis developing into a more serious state.
- To promote the recovery of good mental health
- To provide comfort to a person experiencing distress.
- To promote understanding of mental health issues.
The Mental Health First Aid training does not teach people to be therapists. However it does train people:
- How to ask about suicide
- How to recognise the signs of mental health problems or distress
- How to provide initial help
- How to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
As a Mental Health First Aider you will be given the confidence to have these discussions with people and help them to identify where professional help can be accessed.
The Council’s Mental Health First Aiders are Claire McLachlan, Wendy Brownlie, Sonya Thomas, Genna Lugue, Patricia Ryan, Angela Black, Lisa McCaffrey, Sandra Clarke, Lisa Lilley, Jacqueline Stirling, Eilidh Fitzpatrick, Karen Muir, Sharon Atkinson and Julie Hallett.