How we can help

Time Out Scotland is a supportive community which will help you overcome many of the problems you experience because of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and help you cope with your condition.

Listening to others tell their stories can help you to start to feel hope for the future because others have experienced, and overcome, adversity. You will learn that your own experiences are seen as normal. It is very powerful to be able to share your story in an atmosphere of trust and understanding without the fear of being judged or ridiculed.

You may experience the feeling of acceptance and understanding, often for the first time, from people who understand you because ‘they have been there too’.

Many subjects are discussed at meetings, of which many will be relevant for you.

Coping

Group members can help you find ways of coping with the effects of depression that debilitate your life. You will find it easier to talk openly and honestly about your feelings which is an important step in getting better. We can support you through the bad times and help you to stay well.

Negative thoughts and thinking

It is normal to be like this when you are unwell, and having this state of mind hinders recovery so it is important to find ways of overcoming it. Finding successful ways will also help you to develop a safety net for when you are better.

Knowledge of mental illness

Other members can be a good source of information which could help you with:

symptoms and effects of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
knowledge of the various services available
support strategies which have worked with them
the various treatments which you could consider

You can then decide what would work best for you.

Social skills

Attending Time Out Scotland can result in communication between people of different backgrounds and experiences and this can help you develop new personal skills. Through active involvement in discussions, you can learn how to take a more active role rather than passive one in your own mental health. You might also find that you have skills which would help in the running of the group and by getting more involved help to restore your sense of meaning and purpose.

Isolation

You may be alone or feel that other people in your life don’t fully understand the kinds of problems you are struggling with. Meeting other people with similar problems helps you realise you are not alone, and can bring an instant sense of community and connection. This can be a revelation and a huge relief to you.

Self-esteem/self-confidence

Mental ill-health often results in periods of low self-esteem and self-confidence which can make you feel you do not have the ability to get better. However you can find ways of overcoming this. Helping others at meetings through listening, accepting, sharing experiences, coping skills and strategies for recovery can provide individuals with a great sense of empowerment and aid the re-establishment of your self-esteem and confidence. People who have had stigmatising experiences can feel shamed or demoralised, but this can be turned into an asset, a shared experience, from which other members of the group can learn.

General circumstances

If you are currently in employment attendance at Time Out Scotland can help you to be able to stay at work. If you are unemployed you might want to talk about paid or voluntary work. For those with serious mental ill-health, attendance can help you to stay in the community and avoid the need for hospitalisation. This is desirable for many reasons.

Struggling with tasks

It is common when you are suffering severe depression to find it very difficult to carry out everyday tasks you can normally do without any problem. We can help you find ways to overcome this and move towards looking after yourself again.

Relationship problems

A consequence of having depression or anxiety can be that you have issues with other people resulting in relationship problems, work-related difficulties or the consequences of stigma from people who are ignorant about your illness. As you can be very vulnerable you may find you are not able to handle such situations very easily. Most members have gone through such traumas and so can help you through them and hopefully you will learn skills to help you limit the stress of dealing with others when you are unwell.

Lack of energy

It is very common to be lethargic and have lack of energy. You will benefit from support from others to find ways to keep active. This is one of the key ways of getting on top of depression.

Insomnia

Suffering from insomnia when depressed adds to the problems we have to endure when unwell. You will find that other people will empathise with you and share how they manage their problem.

Worry and panic attacks

These are common symptoms when we have depression or anxiety that can really debilitate you. It is very important to be able to talk about this with others and find ways that you can minimise the effect of them and try to overcome the symptoms.

Healthier lifestyle

Many members have discovered that having a healthier lifestyle helps a great deal in their effort to fight depression or anxiety. If this is relevant for you, they can share their experiences and this will help you towards recovery.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become a common choice of treatment which can greatly assist in getting on top of the causes and effects of depression and anxiety. Many members practise it and can share with you how to do it.