Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of ourselves and others

If you or those around you are struggling with mental health, feeling low, worried or stressed, it is important to understand that these are common reactions to the current circumstances. This advice is intended to support you in managing some of these responses.

The EIS Teacher Health and Wellbeing Resource also offers resources around understanding and talking about mental health and wellbeing.

If you feel that the levels of anxiety that you are experiencing are significant, or if you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, you should contact your GP or NHS 24 for medical advice.

If you or those around you are experiencing triggers for existing mental health problems there are a number of online resources that can help, such as:

• Anxiety UK: ‘Health and other forms of Anxiety and Coronavirus’.

• BBC ‘Coronavirus: How to manage Anxiety and OCD during the pandemic’.

• Beat Eating Disorders: ‘Eating Disorders and Coronavirus’.

• OCD-UK: ‘OCD and Coronavirus Top Tips’.

• Alcohol Focus Scotlandand Scottish Drugs Forum offer advice and support for people facing substance misuse.

CALM Training offers webinars on subjects such as addressing isolation in a trauma informed way, as well as links to useful resources on supporting self-care, and the wellbeing of others.

Timetochange.org aims to end the stigma and discrimination around mental health and has tips on supporting others.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland experiencing mental health concerns.

Samaritans is a free, confidential service for anyone experiencing mental health issues.  The service also provides resources specifically for those working with young people.

The EIS Teacher Health and Wellbeing Resource offers further resources around understanding and talking about mental health and wellbeing.