Behind The Mask: Student nurse from Irvine who joined COVID frontline
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Last updated 4th Feb 2021
A student nurse from Irvine is telling West FM about how she stepped up to the frontline in hospitals at the height of the coronavirus pandemic last year.
Eilidh Houston is studying with the University of the West of Scotland and was one of thousands called upon last April in a bid to prevent the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
The 31 year-old is sharing her story as part of our Behind The Mask project, where we shine a light on different experiences of the pandemic, the emotional highs and lows and how people found their way through.
Mental health impact.
It comes as new figures released on Time to Talk Day, Thursday 4th February, reveal nearly half of us (44%) have felt the need to take time off work, school, or university due to a mental health problem during the pandemic.
But despite a high number of people needing time out, only 17% actually took a break. The reasons why pointed to mental health stigma. 27% said they were too embarrassed, 25% were worried about being judged and 24% thought it would risk their future career prospects.
Get involved in our #BehindTheMask project.
You can share your experiences and emotions from throughout the pandemic on social media using the hashtag #BehindTheMask. You can also contact our news team, in confidence, by emailing news@westsound.co.uk.
Where to get help.
Visit your GP. They are trained in how to deal with mental health issues just as they can help you physically.
Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone line for anybody experiencing low mood or depression. http://breathingspace.scot
Samaritans offers confidential, emotional support over the phone, face to face or online. https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland
Papyrus also offers a free helpline for those under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts. www.papyrus-uk.org
Childline is a free helpline for children and young people. 0800 1111.