Visiting a theatre performance can be a profound and moving experience, but it can also evoke unexpected emotions or memories that some may find triggering. If you or someone you know finds themselves in need of support during or after a performance, know that you are not alone. This page is dedicated to providing resources and guidance to help you navigate these feelings.
If you feel you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
Sources of support for mental health
24 Hour Emotional Support
Samaritans Freephone Helpline 116 123
Provides a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org
SAMH Scotland’s national mental health charity
https://www.samh.org.uk/about-us
Childline
A free and confidential service to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.
0800 11 11 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email and online chat available www.childline.org.uk
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
Breathing space are a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Opening hours:
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
Shout 85258
Shout 85258 https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night.
Shout can help with urgent issues such as:
- Abuse
- Anxiety and stress
- Bullying
- Depression or sadness
- Loneliness or isolation
- Panic attacks
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
NHS Inform
NHS Inform is Scotland’s national health information and self help guide for mental and physical health and well being. It includes information, self help guides, workbooks and relaxation exercises.
Website: www.nhsinform.scot/symptoms-and-self-help
NHS Tayside Healthy Minds
The NHS Tayside Healthy Minds website details links to many useful resources.
Website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/healthyminds
Mood Café
Promoting mental health and designed by NHS Fife, Mood Cafe promotes mental health and well-being. This website offers information on and resources to manage a wide range of experiences.
Website: www.moodcafe.co.uk
‘Beating the Blues’ – Online Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, you may want to consider other support with this. You can complete an online self-help psychological treatment called, Beating the Blues (BtB). We can arrange for you to have free and quick access to this. This will not affect you receiving face-to-face treatment but may help improve some of your difficulties quicker. Key features include:
- Each year 20,000 people across Scotland are referred for Beating the Blues.
- Research shows BtB is effective in reducing depression and anxiety and patients who have used it say they would recommend it.
- Beating the Blues contains 8 sessions that can be completed on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.
- Support is available from our NHS Tayside Beating the Blues Team.
You can request access to Beating the Blues by telephoning (01382) 346162. Your GP can also refer you directly to Beating the Blues. You can find out more about this tried and tested treatment, and watch an introductory video at the link below.
Website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/beatingtheblues
‘Living Life’ - Telephone Guided Self Help/Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
If you would prefer the flexibility of evening appointments, or would find it difficult to travel to attend appointments face to face, then you might prefer to contact this service. They can arrange telephone appointments for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Guided Self Help sessions after an initial assessment appointment over the telephone.
You can find out more about this treatment option by visiting their website or phone.
Website: https://www.breathingspace.scot/living-life
Mental Health Apps
You may find it easier to download a mental health app to your phone. There are many freely available. There is a handy list of available apps available on this NHS library, providing information on their content and where there is a cost. Some apps provide breathing, relaxation and mindfulness techniques to help manage anxiety.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health
Books on Prescription Scheme
Recommended self help resources are available to borrow from your local community library. These titles are available for anyone to borrow, but with a 'prescription' from your GP or other healthcare professional, you can arrange a temporary membership for the library. You can find more details about the scheme, and the book list online.
CALM Helpline
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide.
You can talk to CALM about anything. Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here.
The helpline and webchat are both open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Andys Man Club
ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK
Website: andysmanclub.co.uk
The Mix
The mix is a support service for young people under the age of 25.
If you feel like you can’t cope or are worried about how you are feeling, you can contact our crisis messenger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting THEMIX to 85258
Website: www.themix.org.uk