Self-Care for Mental Wellbeing

     Taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical wellbeing. We all have mental health, and there are times when it needs a little extra care and attention. By focusing on simple self-care practices and preventative steps, we can strengthen our mental wellbeing and avoid more serious challenges.

     This page is here to help with simple tools and advice from trusted organisations. Whether you're dealing with daily stresses or trying to feel more positive, these resources are here to support you.

If you're looking for immediate support and free, confidential services that are there to listen, give advice, or offer practical support.

If you are under 25 years old and wish to find out about the support available for you.

Connect with Other People

ABCD is your one-stop resource for finding local groups, activities, and services tailored to your needs. Use the interactive map to easily locate services near you, or use Quick Links to quickly locate the support by category.

Join YoungMinds for honest conversations with young people that shed light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating mental health, getting support and finding joy along the way. Listen now

Access a range of support services tailored to children and young people. Explore forums and chat platforms to connect with others, share experiences, and find the help you need.

Side by Side is a free online community for anyone aged 18 and over. Open 24/7, it’s a safe and welcoming space where you can listen, share, and be heard. Whether you're looking to connect with others, exchange experiences, or simply feel less alone, there’s always someone to talk to.

Learn New Skills

Living Life to the Full is a life-skills course designed to help you tackle low mood, poor sleep, and self-esteem challenges. With free resources and easy-to-follow guides, this course empowers you to make small but impactful changes to your mental health.

This project helps people manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) through creative and therapeutic approaches. Access free resources, including a short film and an online SAD course, to support your wellbeing during the winter months.

Gain valuable skills through training programs like ASIST, SafeTALK, Mental Health First Aid, and more. These courses empower you to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in yourself and others.

Resources designed by Mental Health Foundation to give you more information about mental health and mental health problems, how to look after your mental health and supporting someone else with their mental health, and helping prevent mental ill-health from developing in the first place.

Stay Physically Active and Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

The list of resources to help you on your journey of physical wellbeing. From tips on improving sleep and nutrition to guidance on incorporating movement into your daily routine, this resource supports your overall health and resilience.

Paths For All promotes everyday walking in Scotland to improve health and well-being. They offer resources and support for individuals and communities to incorporate more walking into their daily lives.

Cycling Scotland encourages cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport. They provide training, resources, and support to help people of all ages and abilities to cycle more often.

Advice and tools to help you look after yourself. Includes mental wellbeing, eating well, contraception, immunisation and help to stop smoking.

Explore Self-Care

On these pages you’ll find National Wellbeing Hub resources to help you look after your mental wellbeing, and hopefully help you find a way through some of life’s challenges.

Here you'll find readable, user-friendly and evidence-based information on mental health problems, treatments and other topics, written by qualified psychiatrists with help from patients and carers.

Resources and tips to support you when you're feeling anxious, low, stressed or overwhelmed. These resources might also be helpful while you're waiting for a Shout Volunteer to become available to take your conversation.

Discover a wide range of self-help resources from the SAMH. This section provides practical guides and advice to help you understand mental health, manage stress, and build resilience.

This section provides practical advice and resources to help you manage financial challenges. Explore a range of support options available throughout Scotland, from budgeting tools to debt advice services, to ease financial stress and improve your overall wellbeing.

Supporting Someone You’re Worried About

The Mental Health Foundation provides practical advice on how to support someone experiencing mental health problems. Their guide includes eight tips to facilitate open and supportive conversations.

United to Prevent Suicide social movement across Scotland aims to unite people in preventing suicide. By joining, you gain access to resources on discussing suicide, listening effectively, and dispelling myths, fostering a community committed to saving lives.

SAMH provides clear, actionable steps to approach the difficult topic of suicide. It empowers you with tools to navigate sensitive conversations, ensuring you can offer meaningful support.

Samaritans offers guidance on recognising signs that someone may be struggling and provides tips on how to approach conversations about mental health. Their resources aim to help you offer effective support to those in need.

“Talk Me Down” – A Local Song to Save Lives.

Local singer-songwriter Jamie Titterton has written a moving song called “Talk Me Down” with his band Jacob and the Starry Eyed Shadows. This song was created to raise awareness about suicide prevention, spreading an important message that no one should face tough times alone. Released on World Suicide Prevention Day in 2021, the song has reached local media and social channels, encouraging people to open up and talk about their mental health. All proceeds go toward the work of the A&B Suicide Prevention Strategy Group.

You can listen to the song and watch the video here on YouTube, or find it on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.