Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage healthier coping methods
The Mental Health Foundation is looking at healthier ways for people to manage their wellbeing
This Mental Health Week, people in Scotland are being encouraged to integrate healthier coping mechanisms into their lives.
Data released by the Mental Health Foundation shows more than two thirds of adults in Scotland report using at least one unhealthy action to cope with poo mental health in the past month, including spending more time alone, or avoiding seeing people.
Other concerning methods include oversleeping, or not getting out of bed – commonly referred to as ‘bed-rotting’ – overeating and comfort eating, or spending more time ‘doomscrolling’ on social media.
The Foundation’s Claire Fleming told Greatest Hits Radio: “We’re not saying never have a lie in, and of course it is important to prioritise rest, but if you’re staying in bed I guess to hide from the world, that’s not healthy.
"Concerning levels"
“So that’s when if you’re struggling in that way, you should be seeking help from others.”
The poll of 1692 Scots revealed “concerning levels” of harmful coping mechanisms, however many adults are taking positive steps towards improving their mental health support.
More than 82% of people had taken one form of helpful action, including spending time outdoors or in nature, taking part in hobbies such as reading or listening to music, or taking part in physical activity.
However, many were combining these with harmful actions too, just 18% saying they had taken on only helpful actions.
Claire Fleming told Greatest Hits Radio there are many small ways to bring more positive actions into life.
She said: “My favourite thing, and a favourite thing of many people in Scotland when we asked the question, was being in nature.
"Encourage people to reach out"
“It doesn’t mean hiking up a Munro, or going up into the mountains, it can be going to the park, it can even be sitting in your garden with a cup of tea.”
She continued: “Even saying hello to our neighbours, and sort of engaging with people in that way, and those kind of simpler ways, like in the supermarket, can be really helpful.
“For anyone who’s feeling severely lonely, we would of course encourage people to reach out maybe to community supports or their GP.”
The Mental Health Foundation is using the week to highlight that individual action alone is “not enough” to ensure good mental health nationally.
Just one in five adults reported no barriers to their action, with pressures such as work, lack of time, financial stress, and difficulties accessing support holding people back.