Clear Your Head Campaign
Joint news release issued by NHS Highland
NHS Highland is highlighting the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst staying at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many.
The national ‘clear your head’ campaign was launched earlier this month offering tips on how you can look after yourself if you feel things are getting on top of you.
These include things like keeping to a routine; staying active, within the current guidelines, to boost your mood; making time to do the things you enjoy that will take your mind off the news for a while; and keeping in touch with family and friends to ease worry and stay connected.
Dr Ann Galloway, Clinical Director of Psychological Services for NHS Highland, said: “I would like to remind everyone that taking care of our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health during these worrying times. Having trouble dealing with worries about the coronavirus is normal, no one is alone. These feelings and thoughts are very normal and they will pass but there are things we can all do to help ourselves cope better at this time.
“There are many resources out there to help manage emotional wellbeing and dealing with such issues as isolation, sleep disturbance, and anxiety; they also provide short and valuable techniques to help everyone take care of their mental health as well as staying physically fit.
“This is a time to be aware of your emotional as well as your physical wellbeing looking out for others as well as ourselves. We all appreciate the support shown to the NHS during this worrying time and by taking care of your emotional and physical wellbeing you continue that support.”
Cllr Linda Munro, Chair of the Highland Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee said: “Now more than ever, we need to look out for each other. This campaign offers invaluable advice about how people can be more aware of mental health issues as well as providing much needed reassurance and support.
“During this time of restrictions it is important that we all consider our physical health and mental wellbeing and the Council welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with partners to raise awareness. There is no doubt that the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak is having and will continue to have an impact on everyone’s lives.
“Feelings of boredom, frustration and loneliness and concerns about the health of loved ones builds up, so it is vital we all take care of our minds as well as our body. Knowing professional support, such as highlighted in this campaign, as well as our 100 plus strong team of Mental Health Representatives located across the council area, is available will I am sure, provide people with a true sense that help is available and they are not alone.”
Inspector Judy Hill, who recently helped launch a formal partnership between Highlands & Islands Division and the Scottish mental health charity See Me, said: "As a Division we are committed to promoting positive mental health practices both externally with the public and internally among our own officers and staff members, encouraging people to look after themselves and keep an eye on those around them.
"During the current situation we all find ourselves in, it is hard to not worry about what is going on and what the future holds. Uncertainty over the impact of the disease may be unsettling and exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, however there are many things you can do to support and manage your wellbeing during such times. Above all, please know that you are not alone and that there are people who can help.
"If you, or someone you know, need someone to talk to I urge you to visit the Scottish Government website, Health Protection Scotland or NHS Inform for further details."
The website also points to sources of advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans – encouraging people to reach out if they need help.
ENDS