All the doctors in the practice see patients with mental health problems. If you think you are suffering from low mood, anxiety or any other mental health issue, please book an appointment with a GP, to discuss it further.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Appointment
Are you over 18 years old and feeling low in mood? Anxious? Struggling with sleep? Worried about a relationship, work or university?
If so you can now book a 30 minute ‘Wellbeing appointment’ with one of our Practice Nurses where they will spend time talking to you about your worries and concerns. They will try and help you identify ways to improve your mood and also help you navigate the resources available to help manage your mental health issues.
After seeing a GP they may refer you to one of these appointments but you are also able to book an appointment yourself via reception.
It would be helpful if you could fill out this Wellbeing Questionnaire then print and hand in prior to the appointment. If you do not have access to a printer then please ask at reception for a copy.
Antidepressant Medication
Not everyone will benefit from an antidepressant, and there is evidence to support their use in combination with other psychological therapies. Please click on this link to find out more about antidepressant medication, and whether it is right for you.
Mental Health Emergency
If you are suffering with mental health problems and need help in an emergency out of hours, you can contact the NHS24 on 111. This service is available 24/7. If it is within practice hours 8am-6pm then please contact the surgery where a Duty Doctor will be available.
Alternative options for speaking to someone urgently:
- Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87 Mon – Thur 6pm – 2am, Fri 6pm – Mon 6am Free National confidential helpline
- Samaritans – 0131 229 9999 Local branch 9am – 10pm 0845 790 9090 National confidential helpline 24 hours Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Edinburgh Crisis Centre – 0808 801 0414 Local confidential helpline 24 hours 07974 429 075 Text number Email: crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
Counselling Services
If you feel you would benefit from counselling then please click here to find out about the various counselling services available in Lothian and how to access these. The majority of these do not require GP referral. Please note that counselling is not provided by the NHS but we can refer for psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Thrive Cafe
If you would like to speak to a mental health specialist one-to-one you can drop into the thrive cafe on a Friday between 09:30-14:15. No appointment required. Click here to find out more.
Nature Prescribing
We have recently introduced nature prescribing at the practice to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing for staff and patients. There is evidence that engaging with nature in a meaningful way can be helpful for a range of conditions from low mood and anxiety, to reducing stress and improving sleep. Please see the resources below for ideas on how to get started with a nature prescription
Young People
Are you under 18 years old and struggling with your mental health? Or are you a parent worried about your child? Please visit the Wellbeing Hub for more information on support and resources.
The Centre for Psychological Therapies at the University of Edinburgh can also provide some free counselling and therapy – click here to find out more.
Other resources:
Please click on the following links to find out more information about looking after your mental health: