Mental Health

Mental health is about thoughts, feelings and relationships – it’s how you feel in your mind.

Mental ill health affects many of us throughout our lives but remains difficult for some people to talk about, which can prevent people accessing the right support when they need it.

Positive Mental health

Positive mental health and wellbeing does not mean you will never find situations or emotions difficult but it can help you to cope when things are tougher than usual.

Below are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost your mental wellbeing:

Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.

Be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike?
Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.
Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Find out more (Information from NHS Choices)

Everyone feels down from time to time. Usually this feeling stops after a short time but sometimes people cannot stop feeling down. Each person has individual ways of coping and responding to situations, as well as individual experiences. If you are worried about how you are feeling or you are worried about someone else, talk to someone you trust. Talking about it might be all that is needed.

‘I’m Not Fine’ Campaign

It remains difficult for some people to say when they are struggling; whether it be with a stressful situation or indeed with mental ill health. NHS Orkney have embarked on a new campaign to encourage more open, honest and supportive conversations around mental health and well-being. We are grateful for support in this campaign from a number of local individuals and organisations within the community of Orkney. The poster for this campaign is below:

Anti-Stigmatisation

See Me Scotland are working to decrease the stigmatisation associated with mental ill health.

Information regarding their campaigns

Mental Health Difficulties

When you are living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having the right information about a condition, treatment options or practical issues is vital. Mind UK offer information and support on a range of mental health issues.

More information

Suicide

Orkney Health and Care and ChooseLife Scotland have come together to produce two booklets to support people who have been bereaved or affected by a suicide - or those who may be having thoughts of taking their own life – to know that they don’t need to cope alone. These booklets provide sources of help and support in Orkney, as well as national helpline numbers.

Find these booklets

Support Services

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, please contact your GP in the first instance or, if feel that your safety or theirs is at risk, please phone 999 for immediate help.

If you need someone to talk to call:

Breathing Space on 0800 838 587.

Or Samaritans on 0845 790 9090.

More information on the service the Samaritans offer

The Blide Trust Orkney promotes mental wellbeing in Orkney through promoting and supporting focused and personal recovery.

More information on their website