What can I do if I need help with how I am feeling?
It is important to stress that Mind Your Head do not currently offer advice or support but are working in partnership with the NHS to develop new services.
If you are experiencing problems with your mental health usually your first point of contact is your doctor. They may help you with your problem themselves or refer you onto a more specialist service i.e. a counsellor employed by the NHS or a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) who also has special skills in talking therapies, managing medication and helping individuals cope with their mental health difficulties.
In Lerwick you can call the Community Mental Health Team directly by phone on 01595 743006 where the duty CPN can give you advice and suggest how you access the help you require. There is also a social worker attached to the Community Mental health team who can help people with the social aspects being impacted on by mental health problems i.e. family relationships, finances, housing and benefits to mention afew.
You can also contact a duty social worker on 744400.
If you need medical help outwith normal hours you should contact NHS 24.
Breathing Space can be contacted between 6pm and 2am 7 days per week 0n 0800 83 85 87. Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.
The Samaritans phoneline is open 24 hours: 01595 694449 or 08457 909090.
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
For children there is ChildLine. ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call them on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem – counsellors are always here to help you sort it out.
ParentLine Scotland is the free, confidential, telephone helpline for anyone caring for a child in Scotland. You can call about any problem, however big or small. Tel 0808 800 2222 - phonelines are open 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9am-9pm Tuesday and Thursday.
Parentline Plus is a national charity that works for, and with, parents. The phoneline 0808 800 2222 is open 24/7.
Other services available locally are:
Shetland Link Up - A drop-in centre supporting recovery from mental distress.
Women of Worth - A group established for women who have experienced emotional difficulties or problems with mental health and well-being.
Moving On Employment Project - A local charity helping people with health problems and disabilities to find and hold down work.