Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental Health & Wellbeing

We all have mental health, and it is just as important as our physical health. Mental health can be simple things such as feeling well and not well.

Mental health is how we feel and what we do, which is always changing.

When we feel good, we can enjoy being with others and wanting to take part in activities. But when we are struggling, we will start to become tired more quickly, meaning our moods and ourselves become not what we think.

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What is a mental health problem?

Everyone has their good and their bad days, which is completely normal and OK.  However, when those negative thoughts start to take over, then it’s maybe time to get support.

Everyone can feel worried or anxious for things such as an interview or a big meeting.  It’s when we feel these feelings all the time, that maybe we should look for help.

What are the causes?

  1. When things are difficult in your life
  2. Life experiences – such as a trauma like violence or abuse
  3. Problems with your physical health
  4. Pressure from school, work or money worries
  5. Relationships with parents, family or friends which are difficult
  6. Possible family history of mental health problems.
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How do you know when to get help?

We all struggle with mental health at times – it is just like when we get sick. Trust your instincts – if you feel that you need help, then seek help. You know you best!

All students at DGC have access to Spectrum Life.
Spectrum Life is a game changing mental health and wellbeing solution to improve health and wellbeing.

Through Spectrum Life you have 24/7 access to mental health and wellbeing support, which can be initiated via WhatsApp, SMS, email and requesting a call back.   

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Signs to lookout for…

  1. feeling hopeless – struggling to see the positives in life, or wishing you didn’t exist
  2. getting into lots of arguments or fights
  3. feeling sad all the time
  4. feeling angry all the time
  5. feeling anxious all the time
  6. numbness – not feeling any emotions at all
  7. extreme highs and lows, or mood swings
  8. feeling worthless
  9. changes to your eating patterns – starving yourself, over-eating, making yourself sick
  1. hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there
  2. hurting yourself on purpose
  3. keeping away from friends and family
  4. relying heavily on alcohol, drugs or sex
  5. obsessive behaviour or thoughts – feeling there is something you have to do / think about all the time or something bad will happen
  6. experiencing nightmares, flashbacks or upsetting thoughts
  7. obsessing about how you look
  8. constant unwanted thoughts

DGC Live & Learn

This programme is aimed at supporting students  with any aspect of college life and to help build their resilience, improve chances of success and meet their personal goals.   This would typically be 6 sessions either 1-1 or group work to suit your needs.

You can self refer yourself to DGC Live and Learn by filling out the form linked below.

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Organisations

Young Minds Crisis Messenger

Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis – just text YM to 85258

All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors

Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus

Childline

if you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

24/7 helpline: 0800 1111
chat 1-2-1 with an online counsellor (daily 9am – midnight; please note: you will not be added to the queue for a 1-2-1 chat after 10:30pm)

sign up on the website, so you can send your message without needing to use your name or email address

The Mix

Offers support to anyone under 25, about anything that’s troubling them

free phone support available (daily; 4pm – 11pm): 0808 808 4994

free webchat service (daily; 4pm – 11pm; please note: new chats may not be connected after 10:15pm)

free email support via their online form (they aim to respond within 24 hours)

free counselling service also available, either by phone or webchat

Samaritans

if you’re in distress and need support, you can ring Samaritans for free at any time of the day or night.

Freephone (UK and Republic of Ireland): 116 123 (24 hours)
email: jo@samaritans.org

Home Start

Home Start is about parents supporting parents. Home-Start’s volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support – tailored to each family. Our volunteers are trained and given expert support from the local Home-Start in their community.

To find out more about volunteering for Home-Start, visit: home-startwigtownshire.co.uk or our facebook page.

Call us on 01776 706984
E-mail admin@home-startwigtownshire.co.uk

LGBT Youth

“We are Scotland’s national charity for LGBTI young people, working with 13–25 year olds across the country. We also deliver the LGBT Charter programme to schools, organisations and businesses.”

Our goal is to make Scotland the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people. We play a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTI young people that promotes their health and wellbeing, and are a valued and influential partner in LGBTI equality and human rights.