Bravo Kirsty for helping end stigma around mental ill-health

THE SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, Kirsty Blackman, pictured, has announced she will step down, due in part to the effect of lockdown on her mental health.

Ms Blackman, who has served as Ian Blackford’s number two in the Commons for three years, said: ‘I strongly believe that people must be able to talk openly about mental health issues, which affect many of us.’

As someone who only recently opened up about their own history with depression, I know how daunting talking publicly about such issues can be and I applaud Kirsty for doing so.

It’s important in reducing stigma that people feel able to discuss mental illhealth in the same way they would a physical condition. It’s so positive more and more people now feel able to do so.