Looking after your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. When your mind feels balanced and supported, it’s easier to handle daily life, relationships, and the curveballs that come your way.
In Glasgow, many people face real challenges that can take a toll on mental wellbeing.
Things like money worries, loneliness, housing issues, or stress from work can build up. Some neighbourhoods deal with more pressure than others, and the support you get can vary depending on where you live.
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself, someone close to you, or just want to feel better day to day, we’ll look at local services, self-help tools, community support, and ways to take care of your mental wellbeing.
Mental health affects how you think, feel, and cope with life. Everyone has mental health, and it can change over time.
In Glasgow, many people are dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, stress, or more serious conditions. You’re not alone if you’re struggling.
Studies show that mental health issues are common across the city. According to public health data, people in Glasgow report higher rates of poor mental health compared to the national average in Scotland.
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re signs that something needs to change.
Where you live, how much money you earn, and your day-to-day surroundings can have a big impact on your mental health.
In parts of Glasgow with high unemployment or poverty, mental health problems tend to be more common.
If you’re worrying about rent, food, or heating, it’s much harder to stay mentally well. Isolation and a lack of support can make things even worse.
Some people also face challenges with housing, addiction, or long-term health issues. These things can build up over time, leading to a feeling of being stuck or overwhelmed.
Understanding the link between mental health and your environment is important. It helps you see that mental health struggles aren’t your fault—and that help is available.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, the NHS offers a range of services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These services are free and open to anyone who needs help.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, there is help available right away. You don’t need to wait.
You don’t have to rely on the NHS alone to get help with your mental health.
Glasgow has a strong network of charities and community groups offering support. These organisations are often more flexible, easier to access, and more focused on local needs.
Here are some of the most active and trusted groups you can turn to.
SAMH has been supporting people across Scotland for over 100 years. They offer a wide range of services for mental health, including support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicide prevention.
In Glasgow, SAMH runs local wellbeing services, peer support groups, and community outreach projects. They also work in schools and workplaces to improve mental health education and create safer spaces.
Recent initiatives include:
GAMH is a local charity that focuses on practical, everyday support for people struggling with their mental wellbeing. Their work is rooted in the community, meaning they know what people in Glasgow actually need.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to get help from GAMH. They support anyone who’s feeling low, isolated, or overwhelmed. Services include one-to-one support, group activities, and family support.
GAMH programmes include:
Formerly called Support in Mind Scotland, this charity focuses on personalised, long-term support. They believe that mental health care should fit around you—not the other way around.
Change Mental Health offers a mix of face-to-face and digital support. They help with everything from managing stress to dealing with benefits, housing, or loneliness.
Their person-centred services include:
Sometimes, the hardest part of getting help is taking the first step. If you’re not ready to speak to someone face-to-face or you just want something to use in your own time, digital tools can be a great place to start.
Glasgow has access to a few reliable online mental health resources you can use for free or at low cost.
SilverCloud is an online platform that offers free, guided programmes to help you manage your mental health.
It’s based on a type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy, but don’t worry about the technical name—it just means it helps you understand and change unhelpful thoughts and habits.
The sessions are private and done online at your own pace. You can choose topics like anxiety, depression, stress, or sleep problems.
Some programmes also include support from a trained coach if you want that extra bit of help.
With SilverCloud, you can:
To sign up, speak to your GP.
Wellbeing Glasgow is a local service that offers free mental health resources, including online self-help guides, short courses, and links to support groups.
Their focus is on early support. You don’t need a diagnosis or referral. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just want to learn new ways to take care of yourself, their tools are there for you.
What you’ll find:
Taking care of your mental health isn’t just about getting support—it’s also about what you do day to day. Moving your body, getting outside, or connecting with others can make a big difference to how you feel.
In Glasgow, there are plenty of free or low-cost options that can help you feel better, stay active, and boost your mood.
Glasgow Life is a charity that runs cultural and sports programmes across the city. They offer lots of ways to get moving, meet people, and enjoy new experiences—no pressure, no judgment.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It helps reduce stress, improves sleep, and gives you more energy.[4]
You don’t need to be fit to start—just getting out and doing something small can help.
What Glasgow Life offers:
Whether you’re looking to join a fitness class, try out something creative, or just stay active, there’s something for you.
Getting outside and being part of something can lift your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.[5]
SiMY Community Development is a Glasgow-based group that focuses on helping young people and families build better lives through community connection.
Their activities are built around creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel valued and listened to. You don’t have to be outgoing or confident to get involved—just being there is enough.
SiMY runs:
Being part of something gives you purpose. It helps you build confidence and make new friends without feeling like it’s a big deal.
Mental health struggles don’t look the same for everyone. Where you are in life can shape what kind of support you need—and what’s available to you.
In Glasgow, there are services designed for specific groups like students and young people.
Here’s a closer look at two options that could be right for you or someone you know.
Being a student can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
If you’re studying at the University of Glasgow, there’s support in place to help you cope with stress, anxiety, low mood, or anything else affecting your mental wellbeing.
You don’t have to go through it alone. The university offers counselling, drop-in sessions, workshops, and peer support.
There are also trained mental health advisers you can speak to confidentially.
Student support includes:
If you’re a young person growing up in Glasgow, it can sometimes feel like you’re on your own.
That’s where MCR Pathways comes in. It’s a mentoring programme that matches young people with trusted adults who offer guidance, support, and encouragement.
Whether you’re dealing with life at home, school stress, or just need someone to talk to, a mentor can make a big difference. The aim is to help you build confidence and believe in your future.
MCR Pathways provides:
Glasgow is trying new ways to tackle some of the toughest mental health and addiction challenges.
These approaches are focused on safety, dignity, and long-term support—especially for people facing serious or complex issues.
Here are two examples of how the city is leading the way.
The Thistle is the first legal drug consumption room in the UK, and it’s based right here in Glasgow.
It’s a place where people can use substances under medical supervision, instead of on the streets or in unsafe spaces.
This isn’t about encouraging drug use. It’s about reducing harm, saving lives, and connecting people with support.
Staff at The Thistle offer clean equipment, overdose prevention, and links to health and addiction services.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, this service can be a safer stepping stone towards recovery.
What The Thistle offers:
Glasgow also has hospitals with specialist mental health services if you need more structured or intensive care.
Leverndale Hospital (in the south of the city) and Gartnavel Royal Hospital (in the west end) offer inpatient and outpatient services for people dealing with complex mental health conditions.
These places have trained staff who can support you through crisis, diagnosis, and long-term recovery.
You’ll usually be referred by your GP or mental health team if you need this kind of help.
They provide:
You don’t need to hit a crisis point before taking care of your mental health.
Small habits can make a big difference, and the best part is—you can start right now. Here are a few simple ways to look after your mental wellbeing every day.
Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. A walk in the park, a swim, or even dancing in your kitchen counts.
Moving your body helps release feel-good chemicals in your brain, like endorphins. These can boost your mood and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Benefits of regular movement:
You don’t need to do much—just aim to move a little each day in a way that feels good for you.
Sometimes, you just need a break. A mental health day gives you time to rest, reset, and take care of yourself. It’s okay to step back from work, study, or social life if you’re feeling burnt out.
Use that time to:
Giving yourself permission to pause is not a sign of weakness—it’s part of staying strong.
Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment without judging it. It helps you slow down racing thoughts and reconnect with yourself.
You don’t need special tools or apps to get started.
Simple techniques include:
Mindfulness can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to cope when things get tough.
Here are some quick answers to questions people often ask about mental health support in Glasgow.
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone else, this should give you a clearer idea of what’s out there.
You can start by speaking to your GP. They can refer you to the Primary Care Mental Health Team or suggest the right next steps.
If you’re in crisis, you can also call NHS 24 by dialling 111 and pressing 2. You’ll speak to someone trained who can help you find urgent care.
For non-emergency support, community groups like GAMH, SAMH, and Change Mental Health also offer one-to-one help and group sessions.
Yes, there are plenty of free tools and services.
If you’re studying at the University of Glasgow, you can access counselling, workshops, and peer support. Help is confidential and available throughout the academic year.
MCR Pathways is a mentoring programme for young people in Glasgow schools. It pairs you with a trusted adult who can offer advice and encouragement.
Youth-focused services are also available through SiMY and GAMH, which run support groups, creative workshops, and outdoor activities.
Let them know they’re not alone—sometimes just being there is enough
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to mental health, but Glasgow has a wide range of support available to help you through whatever you’re facing.
You’ve got NHS services, including local mental health teams and 24/7 emergency support.
There are charities like SAMH, GAMH, and Change Mental Health offering community-based help.
You can also explore digital tools like SilverCloud, or take part in free activities through Glasgow Life and other local groups.
If you’re a student or a young person, there’s support made just for you—whether it’s mentoring, counselling, or just someone to talk to.
You don’t have to wait until things get really bad. Help is there when you’re ready. Even small steps—like joining a group, calling a helpline, or speaking to your GP—can lead to big changes.
Looking after your mental health matters. And in Glasgow, you’re not alone. The support is out there—you just need to reach for it.
[1] https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2022-volume-1-main-report/pages/5/
[2] https://www.samaritans.org/documents/2781/Samaritans_-_Suicide_Stats_Scotland_2023.pdf
[5] https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/the-importance-of-connections-ways-to-live-a-longer-healthier-life/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
