A Message from the Editor,

Sonia Last 📝

Wandering along the seashore, tootling up a hill or along a forest path while absorbing the surroundings through your senses can be wonderfully rejuvenating. Whether you choose a country stroll or gritty urban walk, take time to notice the details. Mindful wandering can make us feel more inspired, reduce our stress, help to regulate our emotions and widen our perspective. It’s liberating to get out of our own heads for a wee bit and take a rest from both our own and other people's expectations.

So this month while the weather is lovely, we are embracing the gentle art of wandering and hope you can too.

Sonia

Sonia Last

Editor

Catherine’s - Wellbeing Support & Share Drop-In Sessions are a precious resource for those looking to bounce ideas off a well-seasoned, mental health champion. Her guidance is free and there’s no need to sign up - just drop in via Zoom for some quick, sensible advice. When you log in to our online learning community platform, you’ll find details for each month’s Wellbeing Support & Share Session in the Events section on your main dashboard, on the right-hand side of the page. On smaller screens, you may need to scroll down to see the Events box.

It’s frustrating to hear how under-utilised Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) are considering the long NHS waiting times for mental health services. Usage rates hover abysmally between 3-10%. The cause for this lack of uptake is either that employees are unaware of having an EAP or they fear lack of confidentiality. This is a real shame, since these services are costly to employers and can be of great value to employees who could access the support they need quickly and efficiently.

If you have an EAP, make it known; explain the access route and how the service works. Most importantly, assure people that like any medical aid programme, employers have no access to personal data, or who used the service.

Too many people are reluctant to disclose their struggles, neurodivergence or health concerns for fear of reprisal. Only senior leadership can allay these fears and provide the reassurances needed to get people to make use these vital services.

Sometimes the simplest words stay with us the longest, so here are three gentle reminders that perhaps will land when you need them the most.

‘Play is the highest form of research’

Albert Einstein

Let yourself play, just for creativity's sake. Doodle, walk, daydream, try a new recipe or play a game. You may discover or rediscover something precious.

‘Give yourself a rest from yourself’

– anon / a wise yoga teacher.

Give yourself permission to take a break from your inner critic. Notice how you speak to yourself today — can you offer yourself a bit more kindness?

‘Get out of your own way’

– anon / a wise walker.

Notice where you might be getting in your own way. Are you overthinking? Overworking? Saying yes when you mean no? Maybe today’s the day to step aside and let ease in.

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Wishing you sunny skies and gentle paths to wander.

Warm wishes,

Sonia and the MHScot Team

www.mentalhealthscot.land