Emotional distress of lockdown tackled with new Scottish campaign

The funding, which was announced this week by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, includes more than £1 million being invested in the Distress Brief Intervention Programme and a new marketing campaign.

The DBI programme is being deployed across Scotland following a pilot phase. It offers support to those over 16 years of age in need of emotional support due to the impact of Covid-19 access to counselling from specialist staff.

Referrals to the programme will be made by frontline staff including NHS 24.

The publicity campaign will launch soon and offer practical advice on coping with the restrictions imposed by lockdown. It will advertise information resources and heplines operated by the NHS and charities.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Covid-19 restrictions have affected all of our lives. People who may never have been affected by mental health issues in the past, are now facing emotional distress due to financial loss, bereavement and social distancing.

“NHS 24 has experienced an increase in calls, including to Breathing Space, in recent weeks and we anticipate this will continue to grow. It is vital that during this period of uncertainty anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.

“Since 2017 more than 6,600 people have accessed the DBI programme and I am pleased that people across the country will now be able to access this support. Early intervention like this is such an important part of how we treat mental and emotional health and the DBI is all about equipping people with the skills and support to manage their own health and to prevent future crisis.

“This £1 million investment is in addition to the £3.8 million we invested last month to increase capacity of our telephone and digital mental health services. This national marketing campaign will equip us all with some practical things we can do to feel better and help us cope until things return to normal.”