The cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone regardless of job or income. We are all examining our outgoings and thinking about where we can make savings.
- This might mean cutting back on activities that you enjoy, such as a holidays, meals out, trips to the cinema or after school activities for children.
- You may be making difficult decisions such as taking on a second job or working overtime for additional income, which means spending less time with family; giving up a family pet due to increasing costs; or strict budgeting for basic outgoings such as food.
- Or you may be facing fundamental choices in relation to food, such as reducing the number of meals you have each day, maybe going without to allow children to eat; cutting down on using heating within the home; or in some cases, you might be choosing between ‘heat or eat’ as it’s not possible to do both.
You may be experiencing guilt, stress, frustration, shame, embarrassment or even crisis and despair. Whatever your situation, don’t ignore the emotional impact of the decisions which you are facing. There are some simple steps you can take which will help you with the range of emotions you may be experiencing.
Three simple steps
1. Don’t look at the overall situation as this might feel overwhelming or distressing and potentially leave you feeling hopeless.
#ControlTheControlables don’t focus on what you can’t control, focus on what you can do.
2. While it may feel like the squeeze on finances is never ending, through time, circumstances can and will change.
Break the situation down to individual areas and consider each in turn #OneThingAtATime
3. Don’t compare your situations with others, focus on making the decisions which are right for you and your family.
Ask for help and support: this will help you feel you are regaining control and taking action.
Practical tools to help you
Circles of influence: We all have areas in our life we have control over, areas we can influence and areas where we have no control but still worry us. This tool will help you work through the concerns you have and allow you to focus on the areas you can control #ControlTheControllables.
One thing at a time: When our mind is busy and we feel overwhelmed, it can be difficult to make a decision. This tool will help you focus on the decisions in front of you and prioritise what you need to do #OneThingAtATime
Right for you right now: When we are frustrated by our situation, we can feel overcome with emotions which can feel uncomfortable. This simple technique will help to bring you back to the here and now, reducing feelings of distress.
Low Mood
This video explores low mood, how to cope with the associated feelings and emotions you may be experiencing and how to recognise when you or another requires some additional support.
Understanding Suicide
This video explores the factors which can lead an individual to suicidal thinking, warning signs to look out for, and what to do if you become concerned for someone.
Support Services
We understand suicide is a sensitive and emotive subject. Support is available to help you.
The current cost-of-living crisis will not last forever. By recognising and managing your emotions in the here and now, you will be more prepared to make the necessary decisions for your circumstances.
Resources and support
If you recognise you need further support, help is available:
- The Keeping Connected resources provides a directory of services available throughout Fife who offer help and support on a range of issues. We have several resources:
- adults
- bereavement and loss
- keeping well
- older adults
- SHOUT text messaging service is a free 24/7 support service for anyone struggling to cope. Just text 'Fife' to 85258.
- Sam’s Cafe - support people aged 16+ no longer in school education with mental wellbeing, crisis, emotions, life events and suicidal thoughts. Open 7 days a week across Fife, 12noon-8pm: Kirkcaldy Monday & Friday; Dunfermline Thursday & Sunday; Leven Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. No referral or appointment needed.
- DBI is for anyone living in Scotland aged 16+ who is in distress. By contacting NHS 24 on 111, individuals will be triaged via the mental health hub and offered support in the immediate 24 hours following the phone call and further support for the following 14 days.
- Breathing Space: is a website and phone service for anyone experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Telephone: 0800 83 85 87.
- Samaritans: operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Telephone: 116 123 to speak to someone. A self-help app is also available to download from their website.
Links to further support
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, crisis or thoughts of suicide:
- NHS Inform Suicide Information offering support to someone you’re worried is suicidal
- Samaritans website offers help and advice if you are concerned for someone
- Surviving suicidal thoughts website provides support for people who are living with suicidal thoughts, their families, friends, and communities.
- CALM provides support for anyone who needs it. Telephone 0800 58 58 58
- Andy’s Man Club meet in many venues across Fife.
- Women’s Wellbeing Club are peer support groups for women run by volunteers with venues in Fife.
If you are concerned for an individual’s immediate safety, do not leave the individual alone and call 999 immediately.
If you or someone you know needs help with their emotional and mental health:
- Access Therapies Fife provides information to help you to deal with mental health problems and to access a range of local services
- Moodcafe Fife information and resources to help you understand and improve your mental health
- Struggling with stress? | NHS inform provides information and practical advice on how to recognise symptoms related to stress and steps you can take to manage stress more effectively
- Mind to Mind | NHS inform features real people talking about their own experiences and offers advice to support them with their challenges. Topics include dealing with anxiety and panic, handling stress, sleeping better, lifting mood, and moving through grief
- Together, let’s care for your mental health NHS Inform resources to help with mental health, whether you're looking for advice, information, local support or ideas for improving your wellbeing
For young people, specific help and support is available:
- NHS Fife CAMHS provides a range of resources for children and young people, parents and carers and practitioners and professionals supporting children and young people.
- Mental Health And Wellbeing Info for Young People in Fife helpful ideas, websites and information to support young peoples' emotional wellbeing
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Info and Support for Parents and Carers in Fife
- Papyrus: is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Telephone Hopeline: 0800 068 41 41