Looking after your mental health goes beyond Mental Health Awareness Week.
It is important to look after our mental well-being at all times. We should not wait until we are struggling or feeling overwhelmed before dedicating time to care for ourselves. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.
For many people in the bleeding disorder community the past few years have been a very stressful and upsetting time, as people heard and told their own stories of ill health, loss and grief. Reliving these memories have brought about many difficult emotions. An important milestone of the Inquiry has been reached which many are facing with anxiety and uncertainty. Some people have chosen to travel to London to hear the final report while others have chosen to remain at home. It is important to take time to care for your emotional, social and physical health at this time, wherever you may be. Some of the posts of the last week will give you some ideas of what might help.
Some other services which may be helpful now or in the future are:
- Haemophilia Psychological Support Service: Available across Scotland which offers psychological support and talking therapies to all patients with inherited bleeding disorders, young and older, and their families. You can learn more about the service here:
- Scottish Infected Blood Psychology service: Available to people who have been infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV through NHS blood transfusions and blood products received in Scotland. The psychology service also supports family members, bereaved family members, and other loved ones who have been affected. Find out more about the service.
- British Red Cross – Inquiry Service: The Inquiry is funding a confidential support service for anyone affected by treatment with infected blood or blood products. This is run by a team from the British Red Cross who have been working with the Inquiry since September 2018. You can contact the confidential support service directly by calling 0800 458 9473 or 0203 417 0280 at these times: Monday between 11am and 1pm, Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm, Friday between 2pm and 4pm. You can also leave a message at another time and the team will call you back as soon as possible, and on the same day where that is practical. When returning calls their number will appear as private or withheld number.
- Cruise Bereavement Support: A charity that provides bereavement support and information on a 1:1 or group basis through their helpline or online. The Cruise Helpline is 0808 808 1677. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am-5pm. Tuesday: 1pm – 8pm, Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Breathing Space: A free confidential phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed. They provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information. If you need emotional support speak to a Breathing Space advisor on 0800 83 85 87. It is open 24 hours at the weekends and from 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Mon-Thurs).
- Samaritans: A 24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope. Call them on 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org