Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Article written by: Laura Pearson

The Festive period is traditionally seen as a time of joy but many aspects of this time of year can bring a lot of pressure and can have an impact on our mental health. Throughout the Festive period, things such as the increased financial worries of buying gifts, tricky family relationships and social media comparisons can make us feel less than joyful. The New Year, which is often a time of reflection, can also bring challenges for our wellbeing.

If you feel that your mental health is being challenged, you might be interested in Sam’s Fife, which is a space where you can connect with someone who really understands what it feels like.

The team at Sam’s are mental health peers, with their own experience of mental health issues and a recovery journey. Sam’s Fife is not a group support – you will get one-to-one peer support and anyone over the age of 16 years (and no longer in school education) is welcome.

You don’t need to book or register to come along to Sam’s, the team believe in being there for people on a drop-in basis. The team are aware that a set appointment can at times be challenging to attend and will therefore offer a warm welcome at a time that you pick to suit you. You’ll be offered the chance to chat over a free tea or coffee.

Sam’s Fife drop-ins are run by SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) and, locally, Sam’s Dunfermline is open on Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 8.00pm at Going Forth, First House, Woodmill Road, Dunfermline KY11 4SS.

We all have concerns about our mental health, and it’s important we take the time to look after it. Mental health problems are very common, affecting one in four of us in Scotland each year, so SAMH encourage all of us to be prepared, open, and ready to talk about mental health.

Whether you’re seeking support, are looking for more information for you or someone you love, or if you just want to have a chat about mental health, SAMH is here to help.

You will find a wide range of information and plenty of resources on their website, including a fantastic information booklet with tips on supporting a friend or family member with their mental health issues: samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/being-there-for-someone/friends-family)

To find out more, go to www.samscafe.org.uk, email sams.cafe@samh.org.uk or phone 07725 214012 (available on Thursdays and Sundays).