Welcome to the menu for mood. You can pick and chose the items you would find most helpful to lift your mood. You can also comment on the choices and add your own.
Welcome to the menu for mood. You can pick and chose the items you would find most helpful to lift your mood. You can also comment on the choices and add your own.
People rarely take the time to go along to the doctor for a general wellbeing check-up. There is no such thing as good health without mental health so why not make that visit? It is good to rule out any other health issues which may be adding to low mood and to discuss what support is on offer through your local GP surgery. Read more about speaking to your GP.
Get talking! It can be hard to do but it really can help. Talk to someone you trust or ring a helpline and talk in confidence.
Here are the details of some helplines:
Why not try out a talking therapy such as counselling, problem solving therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or some other psychological support? There are many different types of psychological therapy and it is important that you choose a therapy which feels right for you.
Therapy is available on the NHS, from private practitioners and from voluntary organisations. To find out what’s available in your area, get in touch with us.
Perhaps it might be worth trying out some self-help. This can be as simple as picking up a self-help book from your local library or joining a local self-help group. Read our self-help for depression page for more ideas about how you can help yourself.
We offer a free online self help package with telephone support called Living Life to the Full Interactive for people living in Scotland. This is based on cognitive behaviour therapy.
When you are feeling low, anxious or depressed, your sleep can often be affected. It is important to take time to wind down before you go to bed. Establish a clear bedtime routine and stick to it where possible. For other practical ways to improve your sleep, read our page on sleep.
Eating a balanced diet really can help improve your mood. Eat three meals a day, at regular intervals to stop your blood sugar levels from getting low. Also, keep a food diary and record how what you eat and drink affects your mood on a daily basis. There’s more information on our page about food and mood.
Indulge yourself in a luxury item/treat, even if it is only for ten minutes! Read a good book or watch a feel good movie. You deserve it!
Exercise releases feel-good endorphins which can give you an overall sense of well-being. It can make you feel better about yourself and therefore help boost your self confidence and self esteem. Read our page on exercise and depression or visit www.activescotland.org.uk for ideas of things you can do in your area. Even a ten minute walk at lunchtime is a great start.
Many people say that complementary therapies are a great way to relax, unwind and generally improve mood. Why not try something new? It doesn’t have to be expensive either; some people find going outdoors to scenic places or having contact with animals can help.