These services are free and can help by offering a person to talk to when you are struggling to cope due to feeling distressed, in despair, suicidal or need emotional support.

There are many mental health support services available both online and locally. Additionally, lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mental health.
Below are some recommendations. If you're unsure where to start or are concerned about your mental health, make an appointment to speak with a GP.

Local Support

Thrive Welcome Team

NHS Lothian operate a drop-in service for all residents aged 18-64. Speak to a mental health professional who can offer personalised support, direct you to other services and work with you for up to 6-8 sessions.

The closest drop ins for our practice are:
Ballenden House, 28-30 Howden St. Monday 10am – 2pm.
Contact Point, 101 High Riggs, Tollcross, EH3 9RP. Friday 10am – 2pm.

iThrive

Support service directory for Edinburgh. Our practice region is “South East”

Mental Health Information Station

Walk in visits at the Walpole Hall (St Mary's Cathedral) every Thursday 10.30am to 3.00pm. Receive support and guidance on the day from mental health professionals.

Health in Mind

Edinburgh based mental health support service. Provide individual, group and trauma support as well as counselling.

Local counselling services

PF Counselling

A charity offering counselling in exchange for a donation
A full list of services is available here

Sorted: Mental Health - An app available on Android and Apple devices, offering an audio track with a positive mental training program and guided body relaxation.
Username: Edinchpq and Password: positive

Computerised CBT
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. It teaches you coping skills for dealing with problems by focusing on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and actions. This can be in person or self-directed using guided tools.
You can access this online via:
Daylight –  NHS funded anxiety treatment program
Living Life to the Full – Free website with paid options available.
Silvercloud – requires a GP referral.

Guided self help – Health in Mind
One to one support over 4 sessions to access materials based on CBT techniques.
Referral by GP required.

There are several changes we can make to our daily lives that can improve our mental and physical health. Looking at these areas of our lives can often avoid the need for medication and make us feel better quickly.

Sleep

-Good quality sleep is important for mental health. Poor sleep can worsen mental health, while depression and anxiety can prevent good sleep, leading to a negative cycle. By making small changes to improve sleep, we can break this cycle.

Sleepio – Online 6 week NHS funded programme to treat insomnia and improve sleep
The Sleep Charity – National charity providing advice and support to improve sleep
NHS Inform sleep self help guide – Provides guidance on symptoms of sleep problems, causes and ways to manage them

Exercise

Regular exercise has been proven to improve mental health and sleep, reduce the risk of many serious diseases, and extend lifespan. You don’t need to join a gym or buy equipment; it can be as simple as going for regular walks.

·  NHS Physical Activity Guidelines: Click here for guidance for all age groups and abilities.

• Staying Motivated to Exercise: Click here for tips.
• Free 12-week Physical Activity Program: For those over 18, we can refer you to a free program with Edinburgh Leisure. Read more here.

Food and nutrition

Improving your diet can positively impact your mental and physical health.
NHS Scotland provides advice here

Alcohol

Reducing alcohol intake can improve mental and physical health.
To keep your health risks low, follow the UK Chief Medical Officers’ advice:

• Drink no more than 14 units a week
• Spread your drinking over three or more days
• Take several drink-free days

Take the drinking test on drinkaware to get personalised information.

If you need further support contact the South East Recovery Hub in Gilmerton.
Drop in at 13 Newtoft Street, EH17 8RG. Mon – Thurs between 1pm and 3:30pm.
Call 0131 661 52 94

Smoking

Quitting smoking could improve your mental health. While smoking can provide an immediate feeling of relief and relaxation, it increases the risk of anxiety and depression in the long term. NHS Scotland offers free advice and support to help you quit.

Quit Your Way Scotland – call 0800 84 84 84 to get support today.

Bereavement

Cruse – A bereavement charity offering support with grieving. Helpline – 0808 808 1677

Bereavement Service (NHS Lothian) – local support groups
Sessions run from 2.00 – 3.30pm on the last Tuesday of each month in EH16  
Sessions run from 1.00 – 2.30pm on the first Thursday of each month in EH4
  
Contact: bereavement.service@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk   or 0131 242 6995 / 0131 242 1995 

Carers

VOCAL - supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian through individual support, information, training and access to services. Call 0808 196 6666
Carers UK – Charity providing support to carers. Helpline 0808 808 7777

Cancer

Macmillan – Cancer information and support charity. Support line 0808 808 00 00
Maggies - Cancer information and support charity. Local support at Western General Hospital. Call on 0131 537 3131 or walk in Mon – Fri 9 – 5.