Volunteers in the Highlands on hand to make sure anyone struggling this festive season can seek help
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Volunteers will be on hand to assist anyone struggling with their thoughts, or feeling suicidal.
The festive season may be in full swing but for some it is a time of anything but merriment.
Mikeysline, which provides a textline help service and runs the drop-in Hive Centre in Inverness, says December is its busiest period.
Chairwoman Donna Smith said figures revealed that Mikeysline was four times busier last December than January and while suicide rates had reduced year-on-year, there had been a 14.1 per cent increase in suicide rates in Scotland for all groups last year.
“The key thing that you can do over this difficult time as an individual is to reach out and that goes if you are the one struggling, or if you suspect someone you know is struggling,” she said.
“People feel pressure to keep quiet either because they do not wish to be a burden because of embarrassment, or for many other reasons.
“If someone is behaving differently this festive season, or not around when they usually would be, check in on them.
“It’s OK to be persistent with this – most people will answer ‘fine’ if you ask them how they are.
“In the worst case, by asking the question you have misjudged a situation and temporarily caused discomfort. The best case is that you have saved a life.”
Mrs Smith said it was entirely acceptable to be direct, too.
“There’s a misnomer that using the word ‘suicide’, it’s a trigger,” she said.
“This is in no way true and people are far more likely to respond to a direct question when in a time of crisis.
“Similarly, if you are struggling, reach out to people you trust. Be frank and honest. You will absolutely find people would much rather listen to you for a while if you are direct.
“It’s okay to say ‘I’m feeling suicidal’ and it could save your life.”
Keith Walker, a volunteer with the Inverness branch of the Samaritans, will be among those taking calls this Christmas – last year 140 volunteers across Scotland gave up their time between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, averaging 12 calls per shift.
“We know life’s problems don’t melt away when we switch the Christmas lights on and for many people the festive season can be a difficult time,” he said.
“That’s why it’s so important to make sure there’s always someone there to listen on Christmas Day and throughout the season.
“For me, volunteering is an important part of my Christmas and helps me to put my own celebrations in context.”
He also appealed for people to make a donation during the festive season to support the charity’s work not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
“With rates of suicide rising here in Scotland and across the UK, Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline,” he said.
Toni Giugliano, the policy and public affairs manager for the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, said this time of year could exacerbate pressures around debt, or drinking, and it could also be hard for those with no family.
He said January was often a difficult time and the charity was preparing for Blue or Braw Monday later that month.
“We encourage people to carry out acts of kindness for that particular day,” he said.
“Research has show it can be beneficial in reducing stress and improving well being.”
“The message is to look out for one another.
“On the whole, people experience mental health problems all year round. It is not just a seasonal thing.”
The Mikeysline text service is available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and January 2 from 6-10pm on 07779 303303. Hours on other days are 6-10pm, Monday to Thursday, and 7pm-7am Friday to Sunday.
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for details of your nearest branch for a face-to-face talk.
