People can experience discrimination as a result of their sex, race, social class, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, religion and age. This can, in turn, lead to the differences that exist in people’s health.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde wants to ensure that everyone who uses the health service or works for us is treated fairly. Our Equalities in Health website explains what we are doing to achieve this.
Laws are now in place which are designed to protect people from unfair discrimination due to their personal characteristics. Referred to as ‘protected characteristics’, these include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, sex, race, religion & belief and sexual orientation.
Welcome to the Heads Up British Sign language (BSL) section.
This webpage is specifically for BSL users living in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area whose preferred method of communication is using sign language. Research has shown that many sign language users have difficulties accessing written health information due to language and communication limitations. All of the resources featured below are in BSL enabling empowerment for the Deaf community.
These resources are provided as one of our methods of improving communication with the Deaf community.
Positive Signs – Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing for Deaf Community
This suite of short films is one of the prevention measures with the aim to improve access for Deaf people. This also supports improvement of their self-management maintaining and preserving their own mental health. This suite of films also highlights to health and care staff how to improve their awareness of the particular needs of Deaf people and the culture they inhabit.
Understanding mental health
These films are conversational pieces in BSL and subtitles between two deaf people exploring and describing poor mental health. This also covers the pathway for Deaf people where to receive help if they recognise the symptoms as described in the films.
Accessing mental health services
Positive mental health and wellbeing
A documentary style interviewing Deaf BSL users from all walks of life focusing on improving their own mental well being.
Below are two individual emotional stories depicting practices of the mental health pathway exploring missed opportunities and barriers for deaf people, as well as positive experiences of using interpreting services to access mental health support.
Jo’s story
Sam’s story
Further translations requests and contact details
Below is further information where BSL users can get help:
Breathing Space – BSL Services – In time of crisis, BSL users can use Breathing Space to share their concerns using a video relay service.
If you would like to have any materials/resources that are on the Heads Up webpage be translated into BSL, please contact Paul Hull by email at Paul.Hull@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
At NHSGGC we are committed to Deaf people receiving fair and equitable care, otherwise you can contact Paul McCusker by email at Paul.McCusker@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Please also have a look below for further information about Mental Health Conditions in BSL.
A-Z Mental Health Conditions – BSL
Below is a selection of videos for BSL users on a range of mental health conditions.
Addictions
Someone has an addiction or addictive behaviour when doing, taking or using something gets out of control to the point where it could be harmful to them.
Alcohol and drug problems are very common. If you use drugs and/or alcohol and they are causing problems in other areas of your life such as your job, relationships, health, finances or emotional well-being, then this may be an issue for you. There are many other common addiction problems such as gambling, and nicotine, and it’s possible to be addicted to just about anything, including: work, internet, sex, shopping.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Bipolar Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem that affects your mood. It is characterised by prolonged changes to the person’s mood. These usually last several weeks or months and are far beyond what most of us experience. The person might experience:
Periods of feeling very low and down
Periods of feeling excessively happy and energetic for no apparent reason
Sometimes the person may have unusual experiences, strange thoughts or might behave out of character during these periods.
These episodes would usually affect the persons day to day life and make it difficult for them to function as they normally would.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Depression and Anxiety
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
Eating Disorders
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anorexia Nervosa
A type of eating disorder where the person will restrict the amount of food they take in with a view to losing weight or maintaining a low body weight that is unhealthy. It is frequently associated with an increased pre-occupation with their weight and possibly perceiving themselves as being fat or over-weight even when this might not be the case.
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Bulimia Nervosa
A type of eating disorder where a person goes through periods where they eat a lot of food in a very short amount of time (binge eating) and then are deliberately sick, use laxatives (medication to help them poo) or do excessive exercise, or a combination of these, to try to stop themselves gaining weight.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and is not a description of the text on this website.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling that we can all get but sometimes it can become excessive and stop you from doing the things you want to. These feelings can become a problem when they cause distress or make us feel uncomfortable. There are various types of anxiety disorders depending on how often they occur or if they are triggered by certain things. Examples might be when the feelings of anxiety can occur all the time for no apparent reason with lots of worrying thoughts and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling breathless, knot in your stomach, increased sweating. This is called Generalised Anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms can occur without warning for short periods of time for no apparent reason. These are called Panic attacks. Sometimes the feelings of aniety can be brought on by specific things such as a fear of heights or crowded places or spiders etc. These are described as Phobias.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Sleep Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Sleep Disorder
Occasional sleep disturbance is common and quite a normal experience familiar to us all. Everyone experiences difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep at some time in their lives. This often occurs at times of change or times of stress. Insomnia is a condition where you have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep for 3 or more nights per week and persisting for at least 6 months. There might also be daytime mood and performance effects.
People with insomnia often experience:
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Frequent night time awakenings
Feeling very tired the next day
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. In this condition, the person suffers from obsessions and/or compulsions that affects their everyday life.
An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to carry out to try to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.
If you have OCD these thoughts cause lots of anxiety and they can be extremely difficult to ignore. You might find that you spend lots of time worrying about what your thoughts mean. You might also complete behaviours to try and stop your feelings of anxiety.
Not everyone who experiences obsessions will have compulsive behaviours but often compulsive behaviours are very subtle and feel like a natural reaction to obsessive thoughts. You might perform a behaviour that seems unrelated to your original worry, for example repeating a certain word or phrase to yourself to “neutralise” a thought.
Some people can only suffer from obsessions, whilst others suffer from a mixture of both obsessions and compulsions.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Panic Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Panic Attack
Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety which appear to have no obvious triggers or reasoning. They can happen when a person least expects it and can be very distressing and frightening for the person. They can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling faint or dizzy, sweating, trembling, feeling shaky, breathlessness and agitation. The person may feel like they are losing control or dying.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Postnatal Depression
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression (PND) affects around 10% of mothers. This is much more serious than the period post birth known as ‘baby blues’ which usually lasts between one to three days. PND can develop slowly and may not be noticeable until several weeks after the baby’s birth, or may continue on from the baby blues period. The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to those in depression at other times. These include low mood, sleep and appetite problems, poor motivation and pessimistic or negative thinking. It can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the mother and the child.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Postpartum Psychosis
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Post-Partum Psychosis
It is a severe episode of mental illness which begins suddenly in the days or weeks after having a baby. Symptoms vary and can change rapidly. They can include high mood (mania), depression, confusion, unusual experiences and strange thoughts. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. You should seek help as quickly as possible.
Postpartum psychosis can happen to any woman. It often occurs ‘out of the blue’ to women who have not been ill before. It can be a frightening experience for women, their partners, friends and family. Women usually recover fully after an episode of postpartum psychosis.
It is much less common than Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression. It occurs in about 1 in every 1000 women (0.1%) who have a baby.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Phobias
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Phobias
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is an extreme form of fear or anxiety triggered by a particular situation (such as going outside) or object (such as spiders), even when there is no danger. For example, you may know that it is safe to be out on a balcony but feel terrified to go out on it or even enjoy the view from behind the windows inside the building. Likewise, you may know that a spider isn’t poisonous or that it won’t bite you, but this still doesn’t reduce your anxiety.
Someone with a phobia may even feel this extreme anxiety just by thinking or talking about the particular situation or object.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder which you may develop after being involved in, or witnessing, traumatic events. A traumatic event is one where you are in danger, your life is threatened, or where you see other people dying or being injured. Examples of traumatic events include road traffic accidents, assaults and sexual assaults, being involved in a natural disaster such as an earthquake, witnessing or experiencing war, torture, or being held hostage.
It is usual for a traumatic event to cause upset and distress. Most people will recover with the support and care offered by family and friends and by using the ways of coping that they would normally use to deal with stress. However, some people will experience distress that is more intense and longer lasting and may result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares relating to the event, avoidance of things that may remind the person of the trauma, flashbacks, feeling on edge and always on the lookout for danger, and negative changes in mood and thoughts.
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Trauma
The situations we find traumatic can vary from person to person. There are many different harmful or life-threatening events that might cause someone to develop PTSD. A traumatic event is one where you see that you are in danger, your life is threatened, or where you see other people dying or being injured.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Psychosis
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Psychosis
Psychosis is a term used to describe a number of unusual experiences:
hearing or seeing things that other people can’t hear or see (hallucinations)
holding unusual beliefs that people from a similar background would think strange or irrational (this includes delusions and paranoia)
being so jumbled in thoughts or speech that other people can’t easily make sense of what you are meaning (thought disorder)
experiencing periods of confusion – for example: becoming very distracted and finding it difficult to pay attention or make decisions
Psychosis can happen to anyone, up to 10 per cent of people will at some point in their life hear a voice talking to them when there is no-one there. Lots of things can contribute to a person experiencing psychosis such as stress, physical illnesses, using drugs or alcohol and mental illnesses.
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects thinking, emotions and behaviour. It is the most common form of psychosis. Schizophrenia usually affects people for the first time when they reach early adulthood – from their late teens to early thirties. Symptoms include:
Hallucinations – hearing, smelling, feeling or seeing something that isn’t there.
Delusions – believing something completely even though others find your ideas strange and can’t work out how you’ve come to believe them.
Difficulty thinking – you find it hard to concentrate and tend to drift from one idea to another. Other people can find it hard to understand you.
Feeling controlled – you may feel that your thoughts are vanishing, or that they are not your own, or that your body is being taken over and controlled by someone else.
Other symptoms include:
Loss of interest, energy and emotions.
Problems with motivation and organising yourself.
Problems with routine jobs like washing, tidying, or looking after yourself
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Stress
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Stress
Stress is normal and it affects everyone. It usually happens when you are in a situation that puts you under pressure. It can happen when you have lots to think about or do or when you don’t feel you have much control over a situation. It usually happens when you have things to do that you find difficult to cope with. Many situations can cause stress including relationships, work demands, financial worries and so on. It can have an effect on our emotions, thoughts, behaviour and physical wellbeing
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Suicide and Self-Harm
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Self-Harm
At times in our life we can all find it difficult to cope, sometimes we harm ourselves or think of ending our lives. Self-harm is a way of coping with very deep distress. The ways in which people harm themselves vary and can be physical such as cutting or less obvious such as putting themselves in risky situations or not looking after their physical or emotional needs.
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Suicide
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Thank you for accessing our pages on Digital Therapies, here at computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT), we do hope you navigate your way to what you are looking for.
Our Team at computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) have created these pages for you, our Patients and also for our colleagues in Primary and Secondary Care.
These pages showcase the benefits that Digital Therapies are providing throughout the entire NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde areas.
The sections will allow ease of navigation for you to learn more about the digital therapies available and how easy they are to access via a laptop; pc or smart phone.
We also have a section for our GP colleagues on how to refer their patients to our Digital Therapy Programmes, either Beating the Blues or the tailored solutions available from SilverCloud.
We hope you find this information valuable.
Should you have any queries, our team can be contacted via their dedicated email address: – ccbt@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Do you require Urgent Help?
Please immediately call 999 and request Urgent assistance.
NHS 24 – 111 (available 24/7)
Samaritans – 116 123 (available 24/7)
Breathing Space – 0800 838587 (available Monday to Thursday 6.00pm between 2.00am, and Friday between 6.00pm and 6.00am).
What is CBT?
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
It is a time-sensitive, structured form of psychotherapy, which has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as a range of other psychological disorders.
The central concept of CBT is that our emotions, thoughts, physical reactions and behaviours are all linked and affect each other. A client’s thoughts and behaviours can be changed, which will in turn alter their mood.
CBT is:
Present Focused – It does not look in-depth at the client’s history, childhood or the root causes of their problems, focusing instead on their current situation and how their problems are being perpetuated day-to-day.
Goal Directed – CBT asks the patient to set goals and use them as motivation to keep moving forward. It concentrates on what the patient can do here and now to make changes in their lives.
Collaborative – CBT recognises the user/patient as the expert on their own life. The therapist and patient work together to choose appropriate techniques and fit them into their life, troubleshooting any problems along the way.
With computerised CBT, the user is offered a range of modules to work through at their own pace, they are then supported by the cCBT Team with 3 weekly reviews when using our SilverCloud modules.
Psychoeducational – CBT teaches users how to identify their emotions and evaluate and challenge maladaptive thoughts and beliefs. It equips them with a set of skills to deal with their symptoms through productive behaviours.
Homework-based – Patients are encouraged to try things out for themselves and practice new alternative ways of thinking and acting. CBT techniques are the most effective when clients practice what they learn and apply it to real-life.
Our cCBT programmes can be accessed at your own pace and can be used on tablets; laptops’ pc’s and smart phones (either Android/Samsung or Apple devices).
Benefits of cCBT for Patients
Free, with a strong evidence base
Can be used in conjunction with other treatments (e.g., therapy, medication).
Broadens access to psychological therapy: people who cannot leave their homes (e.g., shielding or anxiety from COVID-19)
Provides access to digital therapy for anyone who cannot speak to their clinician in-depth about their issues, they can still access help.
No wait times
4,089 patients, on average, from January to August 2021 began treatment within one week
This is compared to the 18 week target for standard treatments (NHS, 2020).
Promotes independence for patients
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are common perpetuating factors in depression and anxiety.
Digital Therapy Programmes
Below you will find information about a range of different cCBT Digital Therapy options and self-referral programmes that are available across NHSGGC.
Beating the Blues – Digital Therapy Programme
Beating the Blues is a very popular digital therapy programme, and patients are referred via their own GP when they are diagnosed with mild to moderate depression.
The referring GP will retain Clinical Responsibility throughout their patient’s online journey.
Accessing this programme is very user friendly, and our cCBT Team will provide all the necessary information to get you started.
We also have technical support from the Beating the Blues Team if you ever encounter any issues.
SilverCloud – Digital Therapy Programme
What is SilverCloud?
SilverCloud provides convenient secure access anywhere anytime to evidence-based online treatments to help you manage depression and/or stress and anxiety.
You will work through a series of topics to address specific needs.
This course is designed to be completed in your own time at your own pace. Based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and positive psychology, SilverCloud is both interactive and flexible.
Our cCBT Team will act as your supporters and will be there at regular intervals (approximately every 3 weeks) to encourage and guide you through the modules and sign-post you to resources within the programme that may be particularly relevant to you.
The programme can be run on a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone (internet-enabled mobile phone) or tablet device.
How to use SilverCloud?
We recommend using SilverCloud for 10-15 minutes 3 or 4 times a week (for a total of 40-60 minutes per week) over 6-8 weeks.
You should aim to complete modules at a regular time where possible and when you have some quiet time to yourself.
As with most things, it may take time and practice to make progress.
SilverCloud have several digital therapy programmes, tailor made to help you with your digital mental health journey. The supported programmes available are:-
Space from Health Anxiety
Space from Social Anxiety
Space from OCD (new)
Space from Phobia (new)
Space from Panic (new)
Space from Chronic Pain
Space from Coronary Heart Disease
Space from Diabetes
Space from Lung Conditions
Space from Rheumatoid Arthritis
Space from Perinatal Wellbeing (new)
Self-Referral Programmes
Within NHSGGC, we benefit from having access to 2 self-referral programmes, this means you do not need to go via your own GP.
The 2 programmes are:
Sleepio – for sleep problems
Daylight – for anxiety
You can self refer to both of these programmes, please follow the instructions below.
Mental Health teams across Greater Glasgow and Clyde
In the mental health services you may be invited to meet with people in a variety of different settings or teams. Services are organised to be able to provide varying levels of intensity of intervention depending on how severe or complex your condition may be.
Here are some of the teams you may be invited to attend, what do they do and which ones are in your area:
Primary Care Mental Health Teams (PCMHT)
PCMHTs work with people who may be experiencing common mental health problems such as mild to moderate depression, anxiety or phobias. PCMHTs are usually staffed by mental health nurses, mental health practitioners and psychologists, and have strong links with GP surgeries. These teams usually provide psychological therapies, and work with people for up to a few months.
Access into a PCMHT can be through your GPor you could refer yourself.
East Dunbartonshire PCMHT
10 Saramago Street
G66 3BF
Tel: 0141 232 8203
East Renfrewshire (Bridges) PCMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
G76 7HN
Tel: 0141 451 0590 (general enquiries only)
Glasgow North East PCMHT
81 Salamanca Street
G31 5ES
Tel: 0141 211 8450
Glasgow North West PCMHT
12 Sandy Road
G11 6HE
Tel: 0141 232 9270
Glasgow South (Wellbeing) PCMHT
26 Florence Street
G5 0YX
Tel: 0141 232 2555
Inverclyde (PCL) PCMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Tel: 01475 558 000
Renfrewshire (Doing Well) PCMHT
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Tel: 0141 849 2208
West Dunbartonshire PCMHT
Main Street
G83 0UA
Tel: 01389 828203
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)
CMHTs (also sometimes named resource centres) work with individuals experiencing mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety or psychosis. CMHTs are staffed by mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. These teams provide a variety of interventions, care and treatments, and can work with you as required to meet your needs.
Access into a CMHT comes by referral from your GP or Social Services.
East Renfrewshire Adult CMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
Drumby Crescent
G76 7HN
Larkfield Centre (East Dunbartonshire)
10 Saramago Street
G66 3BF
Arran Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
121 Orr Street
G40 2QP
Auchinlea House (Glasgow North East)
11 Auchinlea Road
G34 9QA
Springpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
101 Denmark Street
G22 5EU
Arndale Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
80-90 Kinfauns Drive
G15 7TS
Riverside Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
547 Dumbarton Road
G11 6HE
Shawpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
Maryhill Health and Care Centre
51 Galbraid avenue
G20 8FB
Brand Street Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
Festival Business Centre
G51 1DH
Florence Street Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
26 Florence Street
G5 0YX
Rossdale Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
12 Haughburn Road
G53 6AB
Stewart Centre (Glasgow South)
5 Ardencraig Road
G45 0EQ
Inverclyde Adult CMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Paisley CMHT (Renfrewshire)
49 Neilston Road
PA2 6LY
West Renfrewshire CMHT (Renfrewshire)
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Goldenhill Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
199 Dumbarton Road
G81 4XJ
Riverview Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
Dumbarton Joint Hospital
G82 5JA
Older Adult Mental Health Teams (OAMHT)
OAMHTs work with people who experience a range of mental health problems that are, by and large, associated with the later years in life such as dementia or depression that results from experiencing other problems such as loss (although in reality these problems can affect people throughout their lifespan). OAMHTs are largely staffed by mental health nurses, dementia care co-ordinators, psychiatrists, psychologists and occupational therapists.
Access to an OAMHT is by referral from yourGPor apsychiatrist.
Woodlands Resource Centre (East Dunbartonshire)
15-17 Waterloo Close
G66
East Renfrewshire OAMHT
Eastwood Health and Care Centre
Drumby Crescent
G76 7HN
Belmont Centre (Glasgow North East)
300 Balgrayhill Road
G21 3UR
Parkview Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
152 Wellshot Road
G32 7AX
Shawpark Resource Centre (Glasgow North West)
Kelvindale Road
G20 8JU
Glenkirk Resource Centre (Glasgow North East)
129 Drumchapel Road
G15 6PX
Shawmill Resource Centre (Glasgow South)
Pollokshaws Clinic
G43 1RR
Elderpark Clinic (Glasgow South)
20 Arklet Road
G51 3XR
Inverclyde OAMHT
Crown House
30 King Street
PA15 1NL
Renfrewshire OAMHT
Renfrewshire Older Adults Team
12 Seedhill Road
PA1 1JS
Cairnmhor Resource Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
Cardross Road
G82 5JA
Goldenhill OAMHT (West Dunbartonshire)
199 Dumbarton Road
G81 4XJ
Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Services
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services work with people who are experiencing problems related to their alcohol and/or drug use. These specialist services aim to help people reduce the harm of their experiences and to control their alcohol and/or drug use, and they also understand the kind of difficulties that often go hand in hand with an alcohol or drug problem. They offer a range of health and social care services including practical support, advice and care and treatment. The services you will be offered will be tailored to your particular needs and goals and may include: information and harm reduction advice; detoxification programmes and medication to assist with alcohol or drug dependency; mental health assessment and intervention; physical health assessment; psychological therapies; recovery-focused services; and access, where appropriate, to residential services. Staff working in the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services includes nurses, social care workers, doctors, psychologists and occupational therapists.
You can access Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services by referring yourself directly or by being referred by your GP.
East Dunbartonshire Alcohol & Drugs Service
Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre
10 Saramago Street
Kirkintilloch, G66 3BQ
Tel: 0141 232 8211
East Renfrewshire Addiction Team
St Andrews House
113 Cross Arthurlie Street
Barrhead, G78 1EE
Tel: 0141 577 4685
Glasgow North East Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
The Newlands Centre
871 Springfield Road
Parkhead, G31 4HZ
Tel: 0141 565 0200
Glasgow North East Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Westwood House
1250 Westerhouse Road
Easterhouse, G34 9EA
Tel: 0141 276 3420
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
7 Closeburn Street
Possil, G22 5JZ
Tel: 0141 276 4580
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
7-19 Hecla Square
Drumchapel, G15 8NH
Tel: 0141 276 4330
Glasgow North West Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Possilpark Health & Care Centre
99 Saracen Street
Possil, G22 5AP
Tel: 0141 800 0670
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Twomax Building
187 Old Rutherglen road
Gorbals, G5 0RE
Tel: 0141 420 8100
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
Pavilion One, Rowan Business Park
5 Ardlaw Street
Govan, G51 3RR
Tel: 0141 276 8740
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
130 Langton Road
Greater Pollok, G53 5DP
Tel: 0141 276 3010
Glasgow South Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
10 Ardencraig Place
Castlemilk, G45 9US
Tel: 0141 287 6188
Inverclyde Integrated Alcohol Service
Wellpark Centre
30 Regent Street
Greenock, PA15 4PB
Tel: 01475 715 353
Inverclyde Integrated Drug Service
Cathcart Centre
128 Cathcart Street
Greenock, PA15 1BQ
Tel: 01475 499 000
Renfrewshire Integrated Alcohol and Drug teams
Back Sneddon Centre
20 Back Sneddon Street
Paisley
PA3 2DJ
Tel: 0300 300 1380
West Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team (Clydebank)
New address:
Goldenhill Resource Centre
199 Dumbarton Road
Clydebank
G81 4XJ
New telephone: 0141 941 4400 – option 3
West Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team (Dumbarton)
Dumbarton joint Hospital
Cardross Road
Dumbarton
Tel: 01389 812 018
Specialist services
There are a range of services that provide care for specialised presentations, these include psychotherapy, forensic services, trauma services, child & adolescent mental health services, and eating disorders service. Most of these services require a specialist assessment before a referral can take place.
Inpatient services
For some people, admission to hospital will aid their recovery. In this case, hospital staff will work closely with you, your family and community services to ensure that your stay in hospital is as beneficial and as short as possible. The majority of people will not need hospital admission.
Some of the people you may meet in the mental health services
In the mental health services you may meet with a variety of people from a range of professions who all work together to provide the best quality of care to you or someone you care for or care about.
Here are some of the people you might meet, and what they do:
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses are there to get to know you and understand your needs. Their role is to offer you advice and support. They will work closely with you, your carers and other members of the team to plan your care. Their training covers the whole range of mental health issues across all ages. They can help you to set goals and plan for the future, assist you to manage your medication or provide brief psychological interventions.
The mental health nurses in the community is often referred to as a Community Psychiatric Nurse or more commonly as a CPN.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in mental health. A consultant is the most senior psychiatrist. In order to assess your mental health, they will ask you about your background and previous treatment, as well as your current situation. They will discuss the results of your assessment and diagnosis with you. They will discuss with you what tests or treatments you might need, and can prescribe medication if required. They may also want to meet with you again to review the effects of any treatments.
Psychologist
Psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel and behave. They have knowledge and experience of a range of psychological therapies. The role of the psychologist is to help you to improve your mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. If you are referred to a psychologist, they will talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and behaviour. They will help you to understand the problems you are experiencing, and work with you to identify ways you can deal with these problems. A psychologist does not prescribe medication.
Occupational therapist (OT)
An occupational therapist will help you to overcome physical and psychological barriers, enabling you to carry out daily activities and tasks that maintain health and wellbeing. This might include preparing meals, visiting the shops, or continuing with a favourite leisure activity. An OT can assist you with learning new skills to help you to get the most from life.
Social worker
A social worker will find out what your welfare needs are and tell you how they can help. They can give you and your family the information and support that you may need to deal with a range of issues such as housing, benefits, education, child care and respite care. They can also assist with assessing a variety of social, accommodation and financial needs.
Types of mental health interventions you may be offered
In the mental health services, you may be offered a range of interventions to meet your particular needs and circumstance.
Here are some of the interventions and treatment approaches you might be offered:
Behavioural Activation
A structured approach that encourages you to take part in activities you feel are positive rather than withdrawal and inactivity. It aims to increase how constructive you feel in your life and also how much pleasure you experience as a result of activity.. Behaviour is learned and behavioural activation therefore aims to change the way you feel by changing what you do.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a treatment that focuses on our emotions, thoughts and behaviours. How we think and behave has an effect on their emotions and vice versa and so changing ways of thinking and behaving will help you to change how you are feeling. Your therapist will work with you to identify and alter your negative thoughts, assumptions and beliefs so that you are able to have a more balanced perspective on yourself, others and your life. As a result your difficulties will be significantly improved.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
IPT is a therapy that works by discussing difficulties you are having in the light of key relationships in your life. It is especially effective for those suffering from depression where the trigger may be in the interpersonal world and can include transitions; significant losses and interpersonal conflict. The IPT therapist will help you discover key elements of your relationships that may benefit from some changes and in turn you will see an improvement in your mood and general well-being.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness has been defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally (in contrast to being absorbed in ruminating on the past or future). It helps us learn how to bring awareness to our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours; encouraging us to recognise and respond to early signs of difficulties. It has been shown to be particularly helpful for those who have suffered from depression in the past. MBCT is often taught in a group course format.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing is a style of interaction based upon psychological principles that aim to help you to change particular behaviours that will help your health, such as stopping drinking or improving your way of managing how you deal with a chronic health problem e.g. asthma or diabetes. Your therapist will work with you to explore various motivational aspects of current and potential future behaviours and actions.
Psycho-education
These approaches involve helping you learn about your difficulties and some straightforward steps you can take to improve things for yourself. Psycho-education is delivered to an individual or in a group approach like a ‘training course’. It is also available as a self-help resource online. The courses and resources may provide all the help you need or may be the first part of a broader treatment programme.
BSL – Mental Health Teams
Mental Health – Primary Care Mental Health Team (PCMHT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Primary Care Mental Health Team (PCMHT)
PCMHTs work with people who may be experiencing common mental health problems such as moderate to severe depression, anxiety or phobias. PCMHTs are usually staffed by mental health nurses, mental health practitioners, and psychologists, and have strong links with GP surgeries. These teams usually provide psychological therapies, and work with people for up to a few months.
Access to a PCMHT can be through yourGPor you could referyourself.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
CMHTs work with individuals experiencing significant mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety or psychosis. CMHTs are staffed by mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. These teams provide a variety of interventions, care and treatments, and can work with you as required to meet your need.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
A range of health and social care staff who work together in providing the necessary care and treatment. This can be either in the community or in hospital. It can include nurses, psychologists, doctors, occupational therapists, dieticians, physiotherapists and social workers
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
BSL – Mental Health Workers
Psychiatrist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Psychiatrist
Consultant psychiatrists have the overall responsibility for diagnosing a mental health condition and prescribing treatment. Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who specialise in mental health conditions.
Social Worker
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Social Worker
A professional who can help to assist with practical aspects of life and may have had training in providing psychological assistance. Social workers work collaboratively with various organisations, such as local authorities and the NHS, who provide support.
Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
Registered nurses who are trained in mental health and can give long-term support to those living in the community.
Counsellor/Psychotherapist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Counselors or Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, families and groups to help them overcome a range of psychological and emotional issues. They use personal treatment plans and a variety of non-medical treatments to address the client’s thought processes, feelings and behavior, understand inner conflicts and find new ways to alleviate and deal with distress.
Occupational Therapist
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people of all ages who have physical, psychological or social problems. This could be help with shopping, brushing their teeth, or helping to assist with a person’s child care, professional development or attending social activities
Keyworker
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Keyworker
A ward nurse who is responsible for implementing the care plan and often develops reports regarding your progress.
General Practitioner (GP)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – General Practitioner
GPs are family doctors who provide general health services to a local community. They are usually based in a GP surgery or practice and are often the first place people go with a health concern.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
BSL – Mental Health Interventions
Art Therapy
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Art Therapy
A form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.
Assessment
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Assessment
When someone is unwell, health care professionals meet with the person to talk to them and find out more about their symptoms so they can make a diagnosis and plan treatments. This is called an assessment. Family members should be involved in assessments, unless the person who is unwell says he or she does not want that.
Care Plan
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Care Plan
Mental health professionals draw up a care plan with someone when they first start offering them support, after they have assessed what someone’s needs are and what is the best package of help they can offer. People should be given a copy of their care plan and it should be reviewed regularly. Service users, and their families and carers, can be involved in the discussion of what the right care plan is.
Care Programme Approach (CPA)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Care Programme Approach (CPA)
A way of co-ordinating the care and treatment that a person with significant mental health problems receives from various health and social care services. This is used in specific circumstances for a small number of individuals with complex needs when there are several agencies involved in their care.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Is a type of psychological or talking therapy. It can be a treatment for different mental health problems. It is usually structured and time-limited. It aims to help you understand how your problems began and what keeps them going. CBT works by helping you to link the way that you think (your thoughts, beliefs and assumptions), with how you feel (your emotions) and what you do (your behaviour). CBT has been shown to help with many different types of problems. These include: anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, stress, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and psychosis. CBT may also help if you have difficulties with anger, a low opinion of yourself or physical health problems, like pain or fatigue.
Counselling
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Counselling
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Group Therapy
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of talking therapy where a group of individuals meet regularly with a therapist to help each other to discuss their individual struggles and ways to tackle them.
Inpatient
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Inpatient
Most people with mental health problems receive the care and treatment they need while living in the community. But sometimes when a person is very unwell or is potentially at risk to themselves or to others, they may need treatment in hospital for a period of time.
Wellness or Recovery Plan
NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Wellness or Recovery Plan
A mental health recovery plan is a way to be actively involved in recovering from mental health problems and take control of your mental health, so you can work toward achieving treatment and recovery goals. It helps you look at ways of staying well and make best use of your supports.
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
There are six Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCP) across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, who manage a wide range of local health and social care services delivered in health centres, clinics, schools and homes.
East Dunbartonshire HSCP – Bearsden, Milngavies, Torrance, Cadder, Campsie Glen, Kikintilloch and Twechar
East Renfrewshire HSCP – Neilston, Uplawmoor Newton Mearns, Barrhead, Giffnock, Stamperland,Clarkston, Eaglesham
Inverclyde HSCP – Greenock, Inverkip, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm, Quarriers Village, Wemyss Bay
West Dunbartonshire HSCP – Balloch, Renton, Bellsmyre, Alexandria, Gartochan, Bowling, Old Kilpatrick, Clydebank
Are you providing regular help to a partner, neighbour, relative or friend who is experiencing mental health issues and could not manage otherwise?
Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a carer – few people do – however to a degree we are all carers. We look after our children when they’re small, we look after our homes, we take an interest in our wider family, friends, neighbours etc. We lend a hand if someone asks us to help out but when ill health strikes, particularly mental ill health, you can feel that your whole world has been turned upside down. It can be complex, challenging, even difficult at times. Families and carers play a key role in the recovery of those with mental health problems and are entitled to help and support. With appropriate advice, information, resolve and determination you can play an invaluable role in helping someone recover from their difficulties.
It is important that you too are recognised as an equal partner in the care of someone you are looking after. NHSGGC uses the partnership-working model called the Triangle of Care so this takes place.
More Information
Triangle of Care
The Triangle of Care approach was initially developed by carers and staff seeking to improve carer engagement in acute inpatient services. It has now been extended to cover all mental health services whether they are an inpatient, community team or specialist service such as eating disorders or forensic mental health services.
There are six key standards to the Triangle of Care which all mental health services are working towards.
Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter
Staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies
Policy and practice protocols on confidentiality and sharing information, are in place
Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place
A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information across the care pathway
A range of carer support services is available.
The Carers Trust has further information about the Triangle of Care and what it can mean for you.
Looking after yourself
Things you can do, as a carer, to look after yourself?
The hints and suggestions below have been put together by fellow carers.
It’s okay to ask for help
Learning and getting the right information is essential
Take time out for yourself
It’s okay to be upset and emotional
Talking to someone who can understand and empathise with your situation can really help
Use support groups
Find out how others cope
Focus on positive things
Share your view with service providers – having your voice heard can be empowering.
Health and Well-Being
As a carer it is important to remember to look after your own physical, social and emotional health needs This may at times feel impossible, however, these areas may assist you in your caring role.
Physical – Ask for a health check at your GP surgery or some carer centres can direct you to have one carried out. Look after your physical health by eating a well-balanced diet. Aim to get enough sleep, and try to get some exercise which will help you relax, feel better and improve your health and wellbeing.
Social – Try to get time out from your caring role to socialise with family members and friends. Maintain or develop new interests or hobbies. If you are on your own speak to a carers centre who can advise you about social opportunities.
Emotional – You might find it helpful to access advice and support from agencies such as Social Work, CMHT, local voluntary agencies or a dedicated carer centre. Talking to other carers who have experienced similar situations to you can often help. Emotional and educational support can also help especially if you feel that you have no one to turn to. Sometimes talking to professionals can help too if you feel you need more than just a listening ear your GP can direct you to agencies which offer CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or talking therapies in your local area.
Recognising your role as a carer
Many people do not see themselves as a ‘carer’ in a formal sense. Many people view caring for someone as a duty.
Carer’s Rights/Legislation
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 provides you with the right to request an Adult Carers Support Plan. This is a plan which can help you look at what you need in order to provide you, as a carer, with support and the chance to have a life outside of caring. You can request this via the local Social Work Department or speak to the Social Worker or Community Psychiatric Nurse in the local Community Mental Health Team. You are entitled to this Adult Carers Support Plan even if the person you care for does not want you to have one; this is about you the carer and what you need.
If you are 18 and under you may be considered to be a young carer and can, under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 be entitled to a Young Carers Statement. You can contact your local Social Work Department about this or if you attend a young carer service speak to the workers there.
It never fails that a crisis probably happens at the most inconvenient time – late at night, over a weekend, or when you are planning a break. At such times it is not easy to respond in the best or most appropriate way.
It is helpful therefore to try to think about some of the worst-case scenarios in advance, and how might you respond, who might you call on and where to keep this information safe and handy. It’s like having a plan of action you can turn to help you through.
Make sure you have the numbers of our out of hours’ services that are available in your area. Similarly have the numbers for relatives and friends who can be called on at short notice, either to give you support in your home to deal with the emergency. It is good if these people are with you once the crisis/emergency has ended as you might like someone to talk about how you feel.
Keep contact numbers of the all the services involved in the care and treatment of the person you care for, make sure these numbers are in a safe and handy place. If storing them in your mobile, make sure it is charged, or keep written copies.
Any plans you make for dealing with emergencies should be agreed between you and the person you care for when that person is well. This is not always easy as many people do not want to think about being ill again. However, if you have a backup plan it may actually be helpful in avoiding a more serious crisis.
A Carer is anybody who provides support and care to someone who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or an addiction. In most cases, this is an unpaid role. Being a carer can be difficult and have an impact on the person’s life. There are a range of supports available and carers are also entitled to a formal assessment of their needs
Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Welcome to NHSGGC Digital Therapies for computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT)
Thank you for visiting our cCBT page, dedicated for you, our GP colleagues.
Here you will find details on how to refer your patients to our Digital Therapy programmes, either Beating the Blues or SilverCloud.
All referrals are sent via SCI Gateway, please use the drop down menu to select your choice of programme to refer your patient to.
Please also remember, that Beating the Blues (for depression), is un-supported and the patient will work through this digital therapy on their own.
SilverCloud, however, has tailored digital therapy programmes for you to select from the drop down menu.
Please be advised that 4 new programmes are not yet on SCI Gateway, so please add information onto the referral and we will add your patient to the highlighted programme. (New programmes; – OCD; Panic; Phobia; Perinatal).
SilverCloud programmes are all supported by the cCBT Team with reviews every 3 weeks until completion.
Should you have any queries, our team can be contacted via their dedicated email address: – ccbt@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
cCBT Programmes
All programmes offered through the cCBT Service are interactive, and during sessions patients can watch video clips, complete exercises and learn CBT techniques which will help them manage their depression and/or anxiety.
Within each module patients are given activities to carry out between sessions, on SilverCloud digital therapy programmes, the cCBT Team members will carry out reviews every 3 weeks. All programmes record patient’s activity and they resume automatically when they next log on.
Who is it for?
Suitable for patients aged 16+ with:
Mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety: including phobias and panic attacks
Willingness to be pro-active in their treatment recovery and to use a computer programme
Not suitable for patients:
With active suicidal ideas or plans
Who are unable to read or write English (reading age below 10/11 years)
In acute phase of psychosis or mania, or with cognitive functioning disorder, e.g. dementia
Evidence Base – Nice and Sign recommendation
cCBT has been proven to be an effective intervention for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and is recommended by – NICE in its updated 2009 depression guidance: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TA97/Guidance/Evidence
SIGN guideline 114 (Non Pharmacological Treatment of Depression in Adults) recommends cCBT as a treatment option for patients with depression within the context of guided self-help as a level A recommendation: http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign114.pdf
How to refer to cCBT
To refer patients to the cCBT service:
SCI Gateway > Other mental health services > cCBT
Choose from: Beating the Blues or Silvercloud
In the Additional relevant Information, please specify which programme you think offers the best fit to the patient’s needs
Future dropdowns will include
Space from Diabetes Distress (Wiley)
Space in Diabetes from Depression and Anxiety
Space from OCD
Space from Phobia
Space from Panic
Perinatal Wellbeing
Sleepio
Daylight
Delivery of these programmes is similar to our current programme Beating the Blues.
They are interactive, and during sessions patients can watch video clips, complete exercises and learn CBT techniques that will help them manage their depression and anxiety. Within each module patients are given activities to carry out between sessions.
Where can patients complete the course?
The course can be completed 24/7 in the patient’s home or during working hours at any local library. To do it at home the patient will need an internet connection and a smart phone, tablet, PC or laptop.
How do patients access the programme?
The patient needs an activation link, which will be provided by email by the local cCBT co-ordinator after a referral is received. A patient email address is essential.
The patient then visits the Beating the Blues or the Silvercloud website depending on the programme referred to.
They click on the “Activate Account” link found on the right-hand side, enter their activation code, and follow the on screen instructions.
Patients can be referred directly to the cCBT service and will be able to access the program within 1 week from referral.
What happens when my patient is discharged from cCBT?
When the patient completes treatment the referrer will be sent an “Effectiveness Report”.
This report provides information collected during the completion of the course and includes results from the PHQ-9 and GAD 7 psychological measures that the patient completes at the end of every session.
Managing Risk
Each time a patient uses the programme it will ask if they have had suicidal thoughts. If they answer yes, they will then be asked to rate their level of intent on a scale of 0 to 8 for Beating the Blues, and 0 to 10 for Silvercloud. If this level is above 4, the co-ordinator is required to inform the referrer and provide details.
During the session, patients will be advised to seek help from their referrer or the Samaritans if they have had suicidal thoughts. If they complete the session outside of standard working hours the program recommends they contact NHS 24. When an overnight alert is received, the co-ordinator will then inform the referrer in the morning of the next working day.
Less than 10% of sessions completed have a suicide alert and less than 2% with a serious intent of over 5 on the 0-8 scale.
Further Information
If you have any enquiries about the cCBT service please contact the NHSGGC computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) Team via their generic email address:-
Your rights are always important within mental health treatment. However, there may be circumstances when your ability to make a decision about your care is impaired or you require treatment with which you do not necessarily agree. Further to the Patients Rights Act for all in Scotland treated by the NHS, The Mental Health Act (Scotland) has a number of principles for the care provided by Mental Health services as well as safeguards to protect patients’ wishes.
Important Concepts
These concepts are important because they are key to the decisions mental health services will make when deciding how best to respond to your needs.
Mental Capacity
In Scots law, adults are presumed to be capable of making decisions and manage their care. While having a mental disorder, an adult is still assumed to have capacity unless they are unable to meet one or more of the tests of the law. These being unable to: understand information regarding decisions; or retain information to make a decision; or weigh information to make a decision; or communicate decisions. Mental capacity can be important in the treatment of those with dementia or learning disability.*
With respect to the Mental Health Act, decision-making capacity regarding treatment can be impaired as a consequence of a mental disorder.
At every consultation, there will be an assessment and consideration of risk and Mental Health services have a duty to ensure your safety, especially when there is an impairment of mental capacity. For most, risk can be managed in collaboration with Mental Health professionals, but significant risk is also one of the guiding criteria in the use of the Mental Health Act.
Those most at risk usually pose harm or vulnerability to themselves, but Mental Health professionals must also take into consideration risks to others.
This is when a person receives support to enable them to understand information and to express their will. In the context of mental health treatment, this support is often received when under the compulsory powers of the mental health act, e.g. advocacy support.
Substitute Decision Making
This is when an external person is appointed to act in the best interest of someone else. These are commonly Guardians or those with Power of Attorney.
*The test to be applied is different in Scots law S1(6) AWISA:
“adult” means a person who has attained the age of 16 years;
“incapable” means incapable of: (a) acting; or (b) making decisions; or (c) communicating decisions; or (d) understanding decisions; or (e) retaining the memory of decisions, as mentioned in any provision of this Act, by reason of mental disorder or of inability to communicate because of physical disability; but a person shall not fall within this definition by reason only of a lack or deficiency in a faculty of communication if that lack or deficiency can be made good by human or mechanical aid (whether of an interpretative nature or otherwise); and
We’re used to hearing about the importance of looking after our physical health – such as the advice to eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables per day – but we’re less used to talking about keeping mentally well. However, there are lots of things we can all do to look after our mental health – whether or not we’ve had any kind of long-term health condition.
We share here a number of practical ways that we can all promote our best possible mental health. And rather than thinking of good mental health as the lack of mental illness or the absence of worry and stress, it should really be seen as a set of coping resources that helps us deal with everyday life better.
Practical ways to look after your mental health
We provide below some practical suggestions of the kinds of steps you can take to keep well and look after your mental health.
There are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. If you approach them with an open mind and try them out, you can judge the results yourself.
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 the 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 new confidence.
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 relationships.
Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”, and it can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
Also, the Mental Health Foundation has produced a guide: “How to Look After Your Mental Health” which you can download for free. This contains 10 practical areas that you can take action on.
The above list is not exhaustive. In order to maintain and strengthen your mental and emotional health, it’s important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Check out the section below on Mind Waves as well, with some extra “keeping well” tips and ideas, created by local people.
More Information
Mind Waves
There are loads of great stories of how these five steps to wellbeing can be put into action.
You can find some of these stories on our Mind Waves website, the majority of which are created by our volunteer “Community Correspondents”. Use the Topics tab on the Mind Waves site to explore particular themes and issues and find other top tips:
We all have times when we have low mental wellbeing – when we feel sad or stressed, or find it difficult to cope. Sometimes, there is no clear reason why we experience a period of poor mental health but it is important to give yourself permission to feel your feelings; we all need to be better at acknowledging that there are times when “it is OK to not be OK”.
Whether you have a mental health problem or not, there may be times or situations in your life that are more difficult than others. For example, when we suffer some sort of loss; experience loneliness or relationship problems; or are worried about work or money.
It can be easy to turn towards negative things to cope when you are feeling down, for example: drinking too much alcohol. However, this type of behaviour will probably only make things worse in the long term and so it is important to look after yourself and actively engage in reaching, and maintaining, good mental health and wellbeing. There is a helpful guide from Mind that gives lots of practical pointers.
And how can you help someone else who may be struggling with stress? The award-winning Power of OK campaign from Scotland’s See Me programme gives some very practical advice (videos contains strong language)
What’s causing you stress? Get help
We know that there are lots of things that can cause us stress and impact on our mental health – we provide some information and resources below to help you with some of these issues too. There is also a stress section within Heads Up that has further information and advice.
One resource you may find helpful for coping with stress is the Steps for Stress resource – including a free guide to download, and relaxation videos. But there’s plenty of additional support available on a wide range of things that might be causing you stress. Try searching for specific resources on NHS Inform or via the ALISS info database or check out the resources below.
What’s worrying you? Get support on…
Money worries – Citizen’s Advice Scotland can provide advice on money worries and a wide range of other problems
Affected by murder or suicide of a loved one – contact Petal
Social media, the internet, and mental wellbeing
Many people are finding that social media and the internet can be very beneficial in supporting mental health and wellbeing, but it’s important to find the most positive ways to use these technologies safely and avoid the pitfalls. Our colleagues at Outside the Box Development Services have been working with people who have experienced mental health problems to develop some guidance on getting the best out of the internet.
“For many of us using the internet has become an essential part of everyday life. Sometimes it’s hard to remember how we did things without it. From finding recipes to booking holidays, the internet can make a lot of things simpler. Over time a range of internet services have been developed for people with mental health problems, including online community forums and places for advice and support.
“There are other ways we can use the internet to keep well, such as staying in touch with friends and family through social media. Sometimes we aren’t well enough to see people but we still want to chat to and feel connected to others. This can help us to feel better. However, people with poor mental health are less likely than the general population to use the internet and digital ways of communicating. They are less likely to have internet access at home.
“Outside the Box spoke to people with mental health problems to ask about the barriers that prevent them from getting online. We also heard about the benefits people get when they do have access to digital technology. We’ve used this information to put together some hints and tips about digital inclusion and mental health.
“Speaking with people also helped us to get an idea of some downsides to think about, so we’ve included a section about staying safe online. Digital inclusion is about ensuring that as many people as possible have access to and skills to use things like smart phones, tablets and computers, social media and the internet so they can participate and benefit in the new technology. We hope that many people find this resource useful.”
Mental health charity MIND has information on staying safe online and using the internet for positive mental health support.
