Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

What is available & how to access help 

If you or someone you know is experiencing psychological distress, there are services in our area that offer support, whether it's early-stage help or more specialist care.

Primary Care / Your GP 

If you have new or worsening symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, or mood changes, your GP is the first point of contact. Your GP can assess your needs, prescribe medication if necessary, or refer you to talking therapies, community, or mental health teams for further support.

Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) 

For people with more complex or long-term mental health issues, or where both medication and therapy may be needed. Usually accessed via GP referral, these teams work with you at home, clinics, or community settings. The team may include psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses, and social workers. 
More info: yoursupportglasgow.org | NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Primary Care Mental Health Teams (PCMHT) 

If you have mild-to-moderate mental health problems and would benefit from talking therapies sooner, you can access these teams, typically via GP or sometimes self-referral depending on the service. They offer quicker access to counselling or brief psychological interventions. 
More info: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Mindfulness / Psychological Wellbeing / Self-help Resources 

For those managing recurring depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, or wanting skills to self-manage symptoms. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offers Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, apps, and online resources to support wellbeing. 
More info: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | GGC Medicines

Crisis / Urgent Support 

If you feel unsafe, are in distress, having suicidal thoughts, or at risk of harming yourself or others, urgent help is available. Call NHS 24 (dial 111 in Scotland), emergency services (999), or your local crisis service. Your GP can also arrange urgent assessments. 
More info: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Student mental health support 

The Think Positive Hub brings everything relating to student mental health in Scotland into one place. It includes a summary of the mental health and wellbeing support available at each college and university in Scotland, as well as a copy of their Student Mental Health Agreement. If you’re a student looking for support with your mental health, check out the Think Positive Hub at www.thinkpositive.scot

Mind to Mind 

If you’re going through a difficult patch or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, it’s important to remember that help is available. The mind to mind website features over 30 videos of people talking about their mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to help others who may be going through the same. The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support. You’re not alone. Find out how others are taking care of their mental wellbeing at nhsinform.scot/mindtomind

Do you struggle with poor sleep & insomnia or/and worry & anxiety? 

Sleepio’s online sleep improvement programme can help you get to the root of stubborn sleep, using proven evidence-based techniques. 
Daylight’s digital anxiety improvement programme can help you control feelings of worry and anxiety, using proven evidence-based techniques.

When to Contact Your GP 

If you're feeling anxious, depressed, unable to cope with everyday tasks, having sleep problems, mood swings, or thoughts of harming yourself, please contact your GP. Even if you're not sure, your GP can help you decide what support is right for you.

What Referral Involves

Your GP may refer you to talking therapy, counselling, or community mental health teams. Referrals often include an assessment to help match you with the right support. Please note, there may be waiting times for some specialist services.

How Crisis Help Works 

If you or someone else is in crisis or needs urgent mental health support, it's important to know what to do:

• Call NHS 24 on 111 (available 24/7 in Scotland)
• In emergencies, dial 999
• Your GP can also arrange urgent mental health assessments during practice hours

Self-Care & Early Interventions

There are many things you can try that may help before things get worse:

• Stress management techniques
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Regular exercise and sleep hygiene
• Mental health apps and online self-help tools
• Peer support groups

Confidentiality & Patient Rights

Your privacy is important. Information is only shared between professionals (e.g. GP and mental health services) with your consent. You have the right to know what’s being shared and to be involved in decisions about your care.

Local & Voluntary Sector Support

There are also local organisations that can offer support, often without long waits. Here are a few examples:

1. WithYou (North West Glasgow) 
   Free, confidential support for adults facing challenges with drugs and alcohol. 
   0808 178 5901 
   glasgow.northwest@wearewithyou.org.uk
   We Are With You
   
   
2. Community Mental Health Teams 
   For people with more complex or long-term mental health needs. Usually accessed via your GP. 
   YourSupportGlasgow.org
   
   
3. Mindfulness Services (NHSGGC) 
   Free courses and group sessions for managing recurrent depression, anxiety, and stress. Includes online resources and tools. 
   NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde