Relapse prevention

People are often not sure what relapse prevention means.

• it is a way of having an awareness of your own mental health
• to be able to look for clues or warning signs that would suggest a change in your mental state
• there could be changes in your behaviour, attitude or feelings
• the changes that you experience do not always mean that you are becoming unwell

It is important to be alert when changes happen. This could be a sign that you are becoming unwell.

Reducing the chance of relapse

Know your medication

• ask questions about your medicine
• ask family members to help you take your medicine
• if it helps buy a medicine box or other aid to help you take your medicine
• speak to your local pharmacist

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

• eat a balanced healthy diet
• try to reduce your caffeine, for example coffee, tea, fizzy drinks
• try and increase your exercise. For example a brisk 30 minute walk
• avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. Or, try to reduce the amount you take
• get a good nights sleep

It is important to be able to recognise early signs that things may be getting worse.

Think about your own mental health and some of the symptoms you experience. For example, poor sleep, poor concentration, hearing voices.

Take time to think about this and write some of these symptoms down.

Use this list as a reminder and for future reference.

Other ways to prevent relapse is to use distraction. Keep busy and occupied.

For example:

• relaxation techniques, for example deep breathing, visualisation
• listen to music
• have a warm bath
• aromatherapy
• structure your day, get into a routine
• read a book and magazine
• talk to family and friends

These are only a few examples. Anything that can occupy your time in a constructive and positive way will help to reduce the chance of relapse.

If you think that you are becoming unwell it is important to let someone know. You should:

Contact your General Practitioner (GP) and make an appointment as soon as possible. Between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Contact your psychiatric team in an emergency. Speak to your community psychiatric nurse or make an
appointment.

If things are difficult in the evening and you cannot get in touch with your GP or psychiatric team contact NHS 24. (Number at the end of this leaflet.)

Huntlyburn house may be a source of support. However you may still be asked to call NHS 24 or the psychiatric team in charge of your care.

Other sources of support

Other available sources for help and support:

• friends
• family
• priest/minister/spiritual leader
• borderline
• samaritans
• social worker
• New Horizons
• Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) (If you have an allocated worker.)

Useful contacts

NHS 24  tel:111

Borderline tel:0800 0274466

• Monday - Thursday - 7pm until 10:00pm
• Friday - Sunday 6pm to 10:00pm

Breathing Space tel:0800 83 85 87

• Monday-Thursday 6pm - 2:00am
• Friday-Sunday 24hours

Samaritans tel:08457 909090

Young minds tel:020 7407 8887
www.youngminds.org 

Mind tel:0300 123 3393
WWW.mind.org.uk

SAMH tel:01896 664838

East/West teams tel:01896 827270

South Team tel:01450 370602

MHOAT Team tel:01896 827105

Huntlyburn House tel:01896 827181

Learning Disability Team tel:01896 824582