FabSwingers.com > Forums > Scotland > Mental Health Advice

Mental Health Advice

By *thleticLad100 OP Man over a year ago

Greenock

I always struggle quite a bit at this time of year with my mental health, and I'm sure there are lots of others out there in a similar position. I've never had any help, as I have no idea where to go, or who to turn to. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who can offer any advice, not just to me, but to others in this community as a whole, for anyone who is struggling or finding things more difficult than normal, at a time when others are out celebrating?

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By *eiaorganaWoman over a year ago

Dundee

Is there an Andy's Man Club in your area? A family member of mine uses them and has said its really helped

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By *eiaorganaWoman over a year ago

Dundee

Just had a quick look and the two nearest you are Glasgow and Kilmarnock:

https://andysmanclub.co.uk/find-your-nearest-group/

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By *partansword78Man over a year ago

Glasgow

first port of call would be the doctors to get the correct diagnosis and medications. Then depending on the circumstances that have caused the mental health, possibly look into support groups where there are others that have gone through or are dealing with similar stuff. Being with others and talking through your experiences, i found to help. Recognise what triggers you, so you can take preventative measures. as well as building up your own coping mechanisms. there`s no right answer to this, everyone is different and have had different experiences to cause the mental health, so will respond differently to others with the various therapy methods. Exercising also helps by releasing dopamine in your brain which is a feel good chemical and lifts your mood.

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By *andy_FraserTV/TS over a year ago

Edinburgh

We were talking about a very similar thing at work yesterday and we all agreed it's a seasonal thing.

The near constant dark, isn't exactly great for mental health, nor your vitamin D, so make sure to take some Vitamin D supliments, I know they did wonders for me.

Mandy

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By *ennyjMan over a year ago

falkirk

"Is there an Andy's Man Club in your area? A family member of mine uses them and has said its really helped "
yeah good shout , one near me and although not needed myself they get a lot going to it

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By *oat yardMan over a year ago

Ayr

Really good of you to post this, and responses from everyone here are fab. I definitely struggle with the short days sometimes, and do pretty much what people here have said (I don’t go to Andy’s Man Club - but make sure I have community and friends to chat with).

Getting outdoors as much as possible and decent sleep / food also work wonders for me. I hope this helps

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By *heJammyDodgersCouple over a year ago

Falkirk

"Just had a quick look and the two nearest you are Glasgow and Kilmarnock:

https://andysmanclub.co.uk/find-your-nearest-group/

I can highly recommend this too!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Seasonal affective disorder I think affects alot of people in the UK, getting outdoors surrounding yourself with nature and getting daylight can help, listening to music, exercise that you enjoy, surrounding yourself with positive people, reducing or stopping alcohol etc. Also vitamin d supplements.

As others above have said if its affecting maybe reach out to your local drs there seems to be more help via drs that you don't have to wait on help for as long.

Also look into if you have a local or nearby mental health crisis support centre as these are walk in centres.

Or as above Andy man's club. Or similar support with pneumbra, MIND and text service shout 85258.

Hope the above helps.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

As others above have said if its affecting maybe reach out to your local drs there seems to be more help via drs that you don't have to wait on help for as long.

Also look into if you have a local or nearby mental health crisis support centre as these are walk in centres.

Or as above Andy man's club. Or similar support with pneumbra, MIND and text service shout 85258.

Hope the above helps. "

This OP.

Also man, my inbox is open anytime.

Christmas and new year for me will be with the dogs, my first like this so il find it a bit strange.

Please don’t struggle on your own. There’s also the Men Matter Scotland group if your a facey book user.

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By *hastity_roseTV/TS over a year ago

Nowhere

This time of the year is very very difficult. Even reaching out like this will help . But speak to a professional in the field. Take care x

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By *imba2021Man over a year ago

Dunfermline

Hey man,

Great post and a feeling / set of feelings that will be familiar to a lot of folks. It's important to know you're not alone and that there are options out there for sharing the burden of how you may be feeling. I've also had struggles for a long time, which increased and decrease as a result of various factors. One thing that I've always found hugely difficult is opening up at all, to anyone, about things that I'm struggling with - even things that would seem quite trivial to most. I try to share things with my family and some close mates but I've always found it very hard, eventhough I'm close with my family.

So earlier this year I did try going to my local Andy's Man Club, and my thinking behind it was, in a way, to 'practice' opening up and sharing things. I think it did help a bit in that regard (I haven't been for a wee while) but what it definitely did give me was a sense of comfort amongst a non-judgemental, and friendly group of guys focusing on talking through things that are bothering them. And importantly, you can say as much or as little as you like.

Apart from that, I've also had counselling sessions a few times, and found that these really helped, as the one-on-one environment with an impartial counsellor allowed me to open up and say things that I usually never talk through. There are professional counsellors who aren't overly expensive. I found one here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/

Hope this is of some help bud.

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By *at-me-drink-meWoman over a year ago

w.lothian.TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

I suffer from anxiety .social situations give me the fear .iv had it for years and didnt know what it was .just thought it was who iam. Then as the years went on it got worse .i kept puting it off .but went to doctor last year .they gave me the number for a place for therapy ( havent phoned yet ) and was put on tablets . Id say def speak to some 1 .at the moment my anxiety is playing up ( slight low mood aswel) some days better than others .( gets a bit lonely in life as a single mum) iv found going to the socials help me a bit get me out meeting people ,

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

If you work ask them for help, but going to doctor is a good port of call. My boy has just finished grieving classes at school and this has really helped him. You ain’t alone buddy just try to think positive, if you want a chat about things will always respond.

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By *ilveryFoxMan over a year ago

Midlothian

The fact you’re reaching out OP is a massive step

I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety for many years and go through good me bad times. The lessons I’ve learned is don’t close yourself off from those around you. A conversation with your doctor is another great starting point for advice and possibly meditation.

I’ve recently been taking CBD oil which has helped me, especially with insomnia. A good healthy sleep habit and pattern can play a massive part in your mental health as well

If you need to reach out please don’t hesitate fella

Itsoknottobeok

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By *at-me-drink-meWoman over a year ago

w.lothian.TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

I find getting out a walk when ever i can helps. Eatin better and exersice.il be starting all the above again in the new year

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By *x_xWoman over a year ago

Aberdeen

I know this feeling well and unfortunately going to the doctor will just mean you given pills and put on a waiting list, if you have private health cover through your work or anything might be worthwhile looking into that option.

My inbox is always open if you just want a chat with someone who doesn’t know you and doesn’t live in the area

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By *vbride1963TV/TS over a year ago

E.K . Glasgow

There are loads of things to help online or through local healthcare beat the blues online cbt courses are an easy start if your fine with on pc . I attended an informal six week course at my local hospital where lectures were held for 6 weeks with supporting workbooks and at the end of each session you could talk privately with any of the lecturing team if needed . Sometimes discussing things with a total stranger works better for people while others would rather know who they’re talking too . Take care

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By *ill-Ian KissesCouple over a year ago

Somewhere over there

Thanks for sharing OP; it’s so important to talk about mental health; everyone has it, it’s some people’s balance between good/poor varies by the hour/day etc.

I have SAD (seasonal affective disorder) so I know I need to get out and get fresh air (even if literal walk round the block) when I least feel like it really helps as natural light best.

Also Men Matters Scotland/Men’s Shed and Andy Mans club good starting points.

If needing to talk to someone then Breathing Space/Samaritans or Shout can help x

Just remember you’re not alone and a friendly ear is here for you; whether in fab or vanilla world

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Talk is the cure that has helped me with my own mental health issues over the years.

The bouts of CBT(Cognative Behaviour Therepy)I've had has relieved which felt like to me drowning in a sea of stress & worries to the point where I can breath again.

It's this time of year it fucks with a person's head it's not all happiness out there for some people.

Hope you find the help and the ear you need that will listen to you.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

As others above have said if its affecting maybe reach out to your local drs there seems to be more help via drs that you don't have to wait on help for as long.

Also look into if you have a local or nearby mental health crisis support centre as these are walk in centres.

Or as above Andy man's club. Or similar support with pneumbra, MIND and text service shout 85258.

Hope the above helps.

This OP.

Also man, my inbox is open anytime.

Christmas and new year for me will be with the dogs, my first like this so il find it a bit strange.

Please don’t struggle on your own. There’s also the Men Matter Scotland group if your a facey book user. "

I have gone through some low points. A few years ago I was faced with the scenario where I was alone for a Xmas and new year for the first time in years, I was newly single and did not have my kids. This happened for three years. It got to the point where I dreaded December and January.

I have never felt such vunerabilty.

I eventually realised that I was not alone there are people there who are in the same boat. Well done for reaching out...

As for the gent above alone for Xmas with his dogs, feel free to message. I still dislike December and January's.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Hi my problems with anxiety boiled over a few years back was not in a good place. A trip to the doctors helped with a reference to the local support team at the hospital. Biggest help though was talking to people friends, family and colleagues. Juat like you have done here,

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

If it's SAD, then getting out into the daylight for at least 20 minutes a day helps. For the rest of the time get yourself a light box/full spectrum light lamp.

Talking therapies are good - if you can get them, but if it's a physiological thing they won't really address the problem.

Does the time of year cause you problems because you associate it with things that are upsetting/have been problems in the past or does it come out of nowhere? Recognising the triggers really helps narrow down what sort of therapy you might need.

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By *ebmarMan over a year ago

Edinburgh

Hi,

Lots of good advice all over. Many people suffer from similar, so just because you have the perception that there lots of people celebrating, don’t ever think that you are alone or that you are the only one not feeling great.

Talking, reaching out to friends, exercise, … they are all good, but also go to your gp. They will work with other specialists to make sure you can handle it. Many times, it’s all about getting support to cope with the bad moments.

I hope you feel better soon

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

As subject is MH. 1stly what are the triggers i ask . As usually are they not just normal life . So do we talk about depression, being lonely, suicidal etc. Unless u can be open to ur GP and tell him how u feel u will never get better . Hardest think is telling Someone .

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By *o scandalousWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

This is a great post OP, and it’s so good to see other guys coming forward with help.

Mental health is no longer such a taboo subject any more with guys, so it seems.

I wish you well OP. Be strong.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I’m not a mental health practitioner, but happy to listen to rants, offer suggestions of help/remedies, a shoulder if it’s needed, a place to crash for the weekend with endless cups of tea or a few beers…

I’ve always found that if I’m feeling like shit of I have some life worries, talking to/with a complete strangers allows me to be far more open that with a doctor or a mate, etc.,

I’m a non judgemental open minded guy who is more than happy to help someone in need or make a new mate or three…

Don’t think you can’t open up to someone you’ve never met. It really can mean a lot to just get everything out in the open than bottled up alone

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By *alcon43Woman over a year ago

Paisley

I suffer from anxiety and stress and have suffered from depression.

Support from GP and work definitely helps. I do a weekly pub quiz social and a Sunday coffee social in Paisley for Fabbers if you want to come along. PM me for details.

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By *bcums3Couple over a year ago

lanarkshire

Men matter scotland check this out x

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By *eductiveSweetieWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

Check out Breathing Space. They have a lot of experience specifically with Men's Mental Health and can offer different advice and support and signpost you to other services if needed. Good luck

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I always struggle quite a bit at this time of year with my mental health, and I'm sure there are lots of others out there in a similar position. I've never had any help, as I have no idea where to go, or who to turn to. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who can offer any advice, not just to me, but to others in this community as a whole, for anyone who is struggling or finding things more difficult than normal, at a time when others are out celebrating?"
i suffer from HMA. And have done for years mate and bk in the day it was Manic Despersion now its Bi Polar. ( lets not get mixed up on here with ( Bi - Couiors). I have now forstering Dogs my help not for all but works for me . I have the company through the day and night and feel i have to get outside as mutt needs out plus on the lonel nights i have he/her near .

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By *hekaiserMan over a year ago

Glasgow

God knows what I suffer from but I do question of this is it..........work, pay bills, stress and sleep then repeat.

Not with my life and not sure what to do to fix it.

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By *tar_buck_1Man over a year ago

Greenock

Go to man on Inverclyde brilliant group of people plus it's local Andy's is similar but a bit further away. I'm a mental health first aider in my work and it would suprise you the amount of people that suffer in silence. It's good to talk and get things off your chest. I hope this helps you there are loads you can call, you can get them off the web and in doctor's surgeries plus they can refer you to a specialist but it's a slow process.

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By *ecretSilverlinkMan over a year ago

Manchester

I’m the same but i’m the worst at giving advice and not taking it. Hate xmas etc but trying my best to make people happy at this time of year and just be kind etc. dms open if u wanna chat. It’s good to talk even if it’s about something minor x

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By *tar_buck_1Man over a year ago

Greenock

"I suffer from anxiety and stress and have suffered from depression.

Support from GP and work definitely helps. I do a weekly pub quiz social and a Sunday coffee social in Paisley for Fabbers if you want to come along. PM me for details. "

Falcon have you tried CBD oil it's very good for anxiety & stress. I used it for the pain in my knee it has a number of purposes including the 1s I have mentioned.

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By *lipandslide069Couple over a year ago

Edinburgh

Myself I go to Andy's man club in bathgate,and I cycle when I can

Plus I do the cold water therapy every morning in a cold shower

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Just , look Man Club brill for the over 50's , learn new things , give experience on life and u come away feeling good

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By *heNaughtyPTMan over a year ago

Glasgow

This guy seems not be online since he post this... probably won't read any of these great advices...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Some good advice. I can relate to the OPs predicament. I can't attend these things as I am a full time carer for a dying person and my partner of 14 years has found someone else. Just have to soldier through.

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