A Paisley barber is hoping to put customers’ minds at rest as he deals with dodgy lockdown DIY haircuts.
Alexander Mills, owner of Handsome Jacks in Causeyside Street, is set to welcome back clients from today.
While he is expecting some customers to feel anxious about returning to places like barbershops after months of isolation, he is encouraging people to reach out for support if they need it as normal life continues to return.
Alexander said: “While there’s understandable excitement about us opening, in reality the next steps out of lockdown might make some feel anxious.
“The experience at the barbers might feel different, but we’ve let our clients know what to expect and the steps we’re taking to make things safe to help reassure them.
“We might not be able to chat as much, but I hope our clients know we’re here for them and we’re focused on making their experience as stress free as possible.
“A barbershop is somewhere people can escape, and get a 30 minute break from the stresses of daily life. Our hope is people will leave feeling a little bit lighter, with a nice haircut.
“It’s not easy at the moment, and everyone is feeling it.
“Take up the advice on offer if you’re worried, because it’s important to look after yourself and there are practical things you can do that will really help.”
Alexander is backing a national campaign designed to help people look after their mental health after new research found at least seven-in-ten people in Scotland are feeling anxious or concerned about other people not following guidelines as restrictions ease.
The Clear Your Head campaign offers practical tips to deal with lockdown-related stresses, including recognising how you’re feeling, talking to others, regular physical activity, good sleep, diet and sensible alcohol and caffeine consumption.
The Scottish Government’s principal medical officer Dr John Mitchell, a consultant psychiatrist, explained feelings of anxiety and concern are normal and are experienced by everyone to differing degrees.
He said: “We’ve adjusted our lives and now, as restrictions continue to ease, feelings of anxiety, worry or fear are understandable and natural. Your family, friends and everyone you know are likely to be feeling the same way.
“It’s important that we face our fears and do not avoid them.
“Mentally preparing yourself to do things that you are worried about can help, rehearsing in your mind the steps you can take to reduce infection risk.
“This could include paying contactlessly, good hand hygiene, and also using face coverings in enclosed spaces.
“We’ve never had to deal with a situation like this before, so be kind to yourself and to others, and reach out if you need to talk to someone.
“Support is there.”
The Clear Your Head website – clearyourhead.scot – provides a range of tips to help look after your mental health, signposting helplines for those who need to talk to someone.
These include NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
