Blog: 5 ways we can look out for each other

Few of us could have predicted at the beginning of 2020 how much our daily lives would change. With “social distancing” part of our everyday vocabulary, the “new normal” can often seem anything but.

It’s understandable that many of us are feeling more anxious, worried, and even depressed than before. This is especially true if we’re living alone, have a health condition or are a carer.

As well as the physical impact, the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental wellbeing. Many older people feel more isolated than ever. Those who care for others often feel they are struggling, perhaps with very little support.

But the important message is that no-one should have to go through this alone.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day - a day to raise awareness and challenge stigmas around talking about mental health.

It’s also a chance to take a few moments to focus on our own mental well-being and that of those around us.

We all have a role to play in looking out for each other – even when we can’t meet in person. And we don’t need to wait until we know someone is having a difficult time to reach out to them. 

Here are five ways that we can look out for our friends, relatives and neighbours:

1. Keep in touch

It can be as simple as a phone call or a knock on the door. We already know that there is a strong link between loneliness and poor mental health. And the sad truth is that even before the pandemic, 200,000 older people in Scotland typically went half a week or more without speaking to someone.

Even if you’ve not been in touch for a while, take a few minutes to reach out to someone and let them know you’re thinking of them.

2. Ask how someone is – and really listen to the answer

How many times a day do we say: “How are you?” – and how many times do we actually listen to the answer? Many of us might say we’re “fine” even when we don’t mean it.

SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health, advises people also to be alert to any changes in a person around them, such as a lack of interest in normal things or not taking care of themselves. Then let them know you're there to listen. 

3. Do what you can to help

It’s all too easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed if a loved one is struggling. But simply being there and listening can be more effective than you think.

You don’t need to diagnose someone’s problem or find a solution for them, although you could take time to find out about mental health issues and support available. SAMH has more resources on how to help someone. 

4. Take time to look after yourself

Many of us are used to putting our own well-being low down the priority list. That’s especially true if we have caring responsibilities. But we can all find a few minutes in the day to take care of ourselves.

The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign highlights practical ways we can all find a little breathing space, such as staying active or doing something creative.

5. Find out where professional support is

Asking for help is never easy, but there is a lot of support out there for those who need it. If you know someone who is struggling, you could point them in the direction of professional help, such as their GP, a charity, a  counsellor, or support group You could even offer to accompany them the first time to offer moral support.

Age Scotland’s Helpline is available weekdays on 0800 12 44 222 between 9am and 5pm to offer advice or friendly listening ear.

Anyone who needs someone to talk to, 24 hours a day, can call the Samaritans on 116 123.