‘The current lockdown is really tough for everyone’: Scottish Government launches new mental health campaign

The Scottish Government has launched a new mental health campaign aimed at helping people through the coronavirus lockdown.

Announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday, the ‘Clear Your Head’ campaign highlights practical steps Scots can take to manage their mental health while following the nationwide lockdown restrictions.

This includes sticking to a routine, staying active within the exercise guidelines, staying in touch with people and taking breaks from the news and social media.

Ms Sturgeon said: “What the campaign recognises is that the current lockdown is really tough for everyone. Everyone will be experiencing it differently but it is tough for everyone, without exception. And it is ok not to be feeling ok at times right now.

“We all need to be looking out for each other, to show kindness and compassion, solidarity, even as we stay physically separate. We should also do what we can to look after our own mental health, and the campaign provides good advice on that.”

Ms Sturgeon highlighted that while the current lockdown restrictions are tough, they are essential and “they will get tougher” to handle, not easier.

The current lockdown is really tough for everyone… it is ok not to be feeling ok – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

The First Minister has repeatedly highlighted the issue of mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Scottish Government has pumped extra funding into the country’s mental health services, including an extra £3.8 million to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online services.

The new campaign has a designated website with tips and and ideas and help and support for getting Scots through the lockdown. The homepage reassures visitors that “it’s ok not to feel yourself right now”.

Tips include ideas for keeping moving outdoors and indoors, creating a good structure and sleep pattern, managing online use, looking after yourself by reducing stress and staying healthy when it comes to food and drink.

The website points people to advice from NHS Inform and NHS 24 Breathing Space, Samaritans and SAMH.

Scotland’s mental health minister, Clare Haughey, said: “The restrictions on our lives, whilst vital, are undoubtedly tough, bringing feelings of anxiety, frustration and worry as we try to cope and adapt.

“It’s never been more important to look after our mental health, and this campaign has been launched to highlight the things we can do every day to feel better and stay mentally healthy.

“These are unprecedented times and it’s important that people know what support is there if they need to speak to someone.

“We appreciate everyone’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and hope this campaign helps people to take care of themselves as restrictions continue.”

It’s important that we look after ourselves during the uncertainty caused by #coronavirus.

If you're feeling worried, there are simple things you can do to help yourself feel better like moving more or sticking to a routine.

Find practical tips ➡️ https://t.co/JGW6nS7Zeo pic.twitter.com/LzPCQBclhD

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) April 21, 2020

The Scottish Government’s consultant psychiatrist, Dr John Mitchell, added: “There’s never been a better time to think and talk about how you’re feeling.

“We’re all experiencing the loss of things we may have taken for granted, such as loss of social interaction, loss of livelihoods and for some the loss of health or bereavement.

“Creating new mental health habits, simple things that help structure our days, give us a boost or make us feel connected, is important in these times.

“These practical tips will help people do the right things to look after themselves in the coming weeks and months, making them better able to cope and meet the challenges they are facing.”