Poor mental health is an important public challenge. There are many significant mental health inequalities in Scotland and it's a huge priority to improve mental health and wellbeing. There is a link between social status and people's mental health, not to say that these things are synonymous. Stress levels can impact your mental health. Having support there can reduce this stress, making it easier for your wellbeing.

Stressful experiences occur across the life course and include;

• poverty

• poor housing

• family conflict

• unemployment

• childhood adversity

• chronic health problems

These all contribute to a greater risk of mental health problems, particularly if several occur together with no support in place.

Improving the mental health of the population is an important goal in itself. However, the benefits of this go much wider than our mental health. There are a number of associated positive health and social outcomes for individuals and the broader community.

Outcomes associated with improved mental health include;

• healthier lifestyle, improved physical health, improved quality of life and increased life expectancy

• improved recovery from illness and fewer limitations in daily living

• reduced reliance on services with greater use of self-help and self-management approaches

• higher educational achievement

• reduction in workplace absence, greater performance and productivity, higher employment and higher earnings

• enhanced mental well-being within neighborhoods and communities through increased participation in community life

• individuals empowered to take action to bring about change in their lives or within their community

• improved relationships, pro-social attitudes and behaviors, increased social cohesion and engagement, and reduction in crime

SCE in partnership with NHS Forth Valley has access to an NHS Keep Well Nurse.

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