Highland charity offers advice on protecting mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
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As the coronavirus pandemic forces people to lead their lives in a very different way for the time being, many are likely to find it extremely unsettling.
It is set to take its toll on the mental health of many, causing anxiety and stress but also forcing many people into isolation which can be difficult to deal with.
The importance of third sector mental health support is more important than ever.
But support organisations are also having to make difficult decisions about how they deliver their services.
Suicide prevention charity, Mikeysline, for example, has been forced to announce the temporary closure of its evening drop-in sessions at the Hive in Academy Street in Inverness.
Mikeysline chairwoman Donna Smith said the charity is looking at various options to deliver its service.
“During these extraordinary and what are undoubtedly unsettling times for many, it is more important than ever to ensure that people feel able to talk about how they are feeling," she said.
"It is absolutely okay to not be okay, and we will be continue to be there to listen in whatever way we can.
"We would like to assure those that are experiencing difficult times that our staff and volunteers remain fully committed to supporting them.
"We just need to find some alternative ways to do it right now to make up for the temporary loss of the Hive."
Its core service, the support textline will remain in operation and it is also putting in place an alternative option using Facebook Messenger.
“There are of course lots of things we can all do to look after ourselves during this time, too," Mrs Smith said.
"Having to stay in physical isolation, either enforced due to illness or because of working at home, does not have to mean complete isolation.
"People should ensure that they have a way to remain in contact with people regularly, either over the phone or through online messages and video calling.
"We should all make a conscious effort to stay in touch with family and friends, checking in on them to make sure they are okay or reaching out to them if we are feeling a bit overwhelmed or low.
"Taking some sort of regular exercise is also important, whether that has to be inside or if you are able, outside even just to the garden to get some sunshine and some fresh air.
"It could be a great time to re-engage with a long forgotten hobby or indeed, to take up a new one.
"We all have an opportunity to use our time during this episode to ignite our creative juices, or complete some long outstanding jobs around the house."
Mikeysline will be making a series of posts on Facebook about local support networks over the coming period and is urging people to look out for those.
It will also be increasing its posts on social media about staying well.
"Another area we will be looking at is how to do some fun, interactive fundraising events online," Mrs Smith continued.
"We are likely to see a drop in our income over the coming months with events cancelled so we are going to have to get creative in order to ensure that we still have sufficient funds coming in to keep our services running so we will hopefully use these to find ways of engaging with folk at the same time."
The support textline can be accessed Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 10pm and Friday to Sunday from 7pm to 7am.
The number is 07779 303 303.
An alternative option using Facebook Messenger will operate to the same hours as the Hive which are Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 10pm and Friday/Saturday 6pm to 11pm.
Relared article: Suicide prevention charity closes its drop-in sessions due to coronavirus
