Helplines in Scotland.

Feeling defeated by the impacts of a physical illness? Free helplines are available in Scotland

Everything changes when you’re diagnosed with a serious, chronic or life-threatening physical illness. Coping with your new reality can be challenging, especially when you feel isolated or alone. You are valued. There are 2 helplines in Scotland where you can confide in volunteers or counselors for support when you feel:

• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Afraid about the uncertainty of life and the pain you may feel from your symptoms.
• Self-hate over what you’ve become or what feel you must have done to deserve it.
• Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.
• Like a burden to friends or family, and no longer a valuable member of society.
• That your medical condition is having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.

Depending on your illness, personality, age, lifestyle and home support system, there are a range of difficult emotions you may be feeling. Illness can be life-changing, and it is always unexpected.

You have the potential to face the challenges of illness with resilience and grace – but you do need support. By reaching to a helpline in Scotland, you can talk with counselor or volunteer who understands the unspoken, emotional effects of physical illness. Contacting a helpline doesn't mean you're weak – it simply shows that you are human.