Booklet offers help to beat winter blues

The Feeling Snowed Under? campaign aims to help those suffering from anxiety and depression during the festive period.

A booklet, produced in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, contains tips for keeping mind and body healthy this Christmas, contact details for organisations who can help when it gets too much and practical tips on staying safe at home and on nights out.

Representatives from the emergency services joined pupils from Glencairn Primary to help launch the booklet by singing Christmas carols at Motherwell Civic Centre last week.

Bobby Miller, head of community care for North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Christmas is a time most people look forward to and it should be a time for relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family.

“There are, however, many pressures associated with this time of the year which can cause real worry for people such as financial concerns, staying healthy and feeling lonely. This campaign offers people guidance about services available to help them.

“We hope this will be helpful in taking some of the stress out of Christmas for those feeling under pressure. And just as importantly, it will help others watch out for the signs of stress and depression so they can step in and help before it gets too much for someone.”

Businesses including McDonald’s, local pubs, clubs, hospitals and hotels are supporting the initiative and will have copies of the help booklet.

For more information about the campaign visit www.elament.org.uk/snowed-under.