Mind Your Mind

Staying connected while socially distanced from friends and family is vital for our well-being, according to mental health expert Dr Sam Beckett.

Dr Beckett, a psychologist and counselling team lead for local mental health charity, Stepping Stones, said it is not unusual to be struggling with the current situation.

She explained: “There have been huge changes to everyone’s lives and to the world around us and we are being constantly bombared with messages about danger and safety which the human brain is very susceptible to.

“If you are struggling that’s absolutely fine, if you are feeling great and everything is going well for you that’s fine as well.

"The important thing is to just recognise and honour where you are at the moment.”

If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of a family member Dr Beckett advised the main thing to watch out for was change in behaviour and speech.

She added: “If someone is becoming very isolated and not answering phone calls or if they are repeatedly saying they are struggling – that’s what to look out for.”

And she advised the first point of call for anyone concerned about their own or a family member’s mental health is your GP who can make a referral to relevant mental health services.

Stepping Stones is still providing a full service but have moved their 1-1 counselling and group activities to telephone and online.

Dr Beckett added: “It has had a huge impact on our work. We are offering our support services by video or telephone and getting our groups reconnected via social media and video conferencing.

“We are trying to maintain all of the support we offer people in West Dunbartonshire.”