Expert advice to beat the blues

NHS 24 is encouraging people to take some time for themselves this January to beat the winter blues.

Many people feel down after the busy festive period when the weather is bad, debt and money worries are high – and mood is low.

But the telehealth and telecare organisation has a number of suggestions to improve mental wellbeing.

From healthy eating to cutting down on alcohol and beginning a new fitness class, certain activities can all help in improving low mood.

However, if things are too much there is also Breathing Space, a phoneline where people who are feeling down or anxious can talk to a trained advisor in confidence.

NHS 24’ s medical director Professor George Crooks said: “Dark mornings, winter chills, money worries, debt, bereavement, a relationship breakdown – a range of things can make someone feel down, especially at this time of the year.

“Of course, there are lots of things people can do to improve their mood, from taking up a new exercise to trying out some new healthy and nutritious recipes.

“But sometimes thoughts and feelings can overwhelm us.

“It’s always better to talk about your anxieties or stresses sooner rather than later so don’t let problems get out of hand. Phone

Breathing Space, where experienced advisors will listen and offer advice.

“The advisors come from a range of mental health, counselling and social work backgrounds and try to make it easier to talk about what people are going through.

“That’s why we’d encourage anyone who is feeling down to pick up the phone and help banish those January blues.”

The Breathing Space helpline number is 0800 83 85 87 and it is open weekdays Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and at the weekends from Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

The NHS Inform website www.nhsinform. scot has information and tips to help beat stress and low mood.

A range of things can make someone feel down at this time of year Prof George Crooks