If we stick with our car metaphor, then the information provided here is a mixture of tips for the self-taught mechanic and advice from specialists at the garage, including when you should book your car in to get some expert help.
The key thing is that there is always something we can do to get the car back on the road. We have treatments that work for mental ill health. Remember mental health problems are common and can happen to anyone. Don’t struggle on.
You can also use an NHS Scotland self-help guide on coping with panic attacks or you can try the Daylight app, an evidence-based anxiety management programme, based on CBT, which is free to Scotland’s emergency responder community.
If these things don’t help then it’s a good idea to get some professional help. You can do this via your GP or the support services on the Welcome page
Most of us would seek help for a physical health problem but lots of us don’t seek help for mental health problems.
Here are some of the reasons why:
There is still much stigma about mental ill health which is unfortunate because feeling bad or blaming ourselves for being ill doesn’t help. You can find out more about this in our section Stigma stops people getting help.
Watch John and Andy's films to hear about their experiences of getting professional help.
Please don’t struggle on. There is support available and treatments that work. Remember: