Down in the Highlands: the highs and lows of Highland life

As the long, dark winter months approach, regular contributor Savannah Cobb Thomas looks at the importance of safe-guarding mental health in Lochaber.

 

Fort William is an incredible place to live as it offers a variety of activities, but they often depend on good weather, something Fort William does not always provide.

 

On average, it rains for more than half the year - 181 days to be exact.

 

As this rainfall occurs predominantly during the winter, it can leave people struggling  for things to do and makes getting outside more of a task, especially as public transport links are decreasing, as seen with cuts to the Fort William to Glasgow bus service.

 

This can leave people in Fort William feeling isolated as winter begins to creep in. With its darker nights and rain, many may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), increased feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.

 

It has been acknowledged depression rates, loneliness and issues including substance abuse are more prevalent among small, isolated rural communities. A Scottish rural mental health survey revealed in 2019 that 80 per cent of respondents feel transport is the primary barrier to receiving the mental help and support they need.

 

A Marginalised Rural Communities Report in 2021, developed by Support in Mind

 

Scotland, also outlined the impediment of poor infrastructure in connecting rural communities and acknowledged how post-Covid, rural communities must be closely monitored to know the full extent of the effects.

 

Ellen Nicolson, senior project worker from Support in Mind Scotland’s Cothrom Centre in Fort William, pointed out a further barrier: 'The lack of anonymity in communities can be a barrier to seeking help early and difficulty in accessing services is an increasing problem in rural and remote areas.

 

'People experiencing poor mental health do not feel they can be open about their mental

 

health problems within their community and while openness has increased greatly over the past few years, stigma persists.

 

'With the winter and dark nights on the way, we know this can have an impact on people’s mental wellbeing.'

 

But there are multiple organisations based in Fort William available to help. These inlcude, but are not limited to, Support in Mind Scotland, Ewen’s Room and Lochaber MindFit.

 

It is important for people to know they are not alone when they experience these low feelings.

 

Ms Nicolson added: 'Support in Mind Scotland believe it is everyone’s business to

 

tackle mental health and break down barriers and stigma. We believe no-one has to face mental ill health alone and believe in connection and innovative approaches, such as building resilience in rural communities.

 

'Early intervention and having the tools to prevent poor mental health in rural communities is vital and this is where our support and resources come in

 

handy, including free mental health support all year round, a national information line to signpost people to relevant local support and building links with communities to ensure the dots are connected.'

 

Trish McQueen, team manager at Ewen’s Room, said she and her colleagues work to actively improve the mental wellbeing of all people living in Lochaber.

 

'We have many projects and interventions to offer our communities as we

 

understand the challenges faced by rural living and how these impact mental health and wellbeing,' she said.

 

'We are a passionate team of skilled professionals who endeavour to improve the lives of everyone in our area. We have training, support, development opportunities and interventions to suit people of all ages and we encourage you to get in touch with us to see what we can offer you.'

 

Ewen’s Room offers free counselling to anyone aged under 25 and workshops, training packages and drop-in sessions to suit everyone.

 

Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 marked Support in Mind Scotland’s first year of its suicide bereavement service which, over the past 12 months, has helped more than 100 people.

 

Lara Van de Peer, project manager for the Suicide Bereavement Service at Support

 

in Mind Scotland, said: 'We offer the type of support that is not available from anywhere else and at the time that’s right for those seeking it.

 

'Uniquely, we are able to support people immediately after a suicide to help navigate the hugely complex emotions encountered. We know that every person coming into the service has a different story and we are constantly listening to feedback, gaining knowledge and understanding to develop new resources.

 

'That normalisation of complex and difficult feelings is so important and reassuring for people accessing the service. We are delighted that our first year of delivery has proved so successful in providing compassionate and person-centred support.

 

'Building trust, listening more than talking and providing the right words at the right time is crucial in our aim to help people during this hardest of time.'

 

Previously, rural areas have been more neglected in terms of mental health support, despite statistics showing rural communities are more susceptible to mental health issues than urban areas.

 

But as general awareness and understanding grows around this topic, more help is becoming available for those who need it.

 

So as another summer draws to a close, bear in mind the support available to you or those that may need it as the right help can make a huge difference. And be kind to yourself this winter, however dreich it may be.

 

CONTACT DETAILS

 

Suicide Bereavement Service at Support in Mind Scotland  suicidebereavementsupport@nhs.scot or call  0800 471 4768.

 

Ewen's Room: info@ewensroom.com. Phone: 01967 401130. text: 07537 431637

 

Support in Mind Scotland  Cothrom Centre, Fort William: ENicolson@supportinmindscotland.org.uk

 

Phone: 01397 700574 or mobile 07739 216457.