Talking about mental health is still a strain

Nearly a third of people in Lanarkshire don’t feel comfortable talking openly about their own mental health according to new research.

To change this See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination, is calling for people to take action in 2020 to tackle the stigma around mental health, so people never have to feel ashamed or embarrassed to say they’re struggling.

They are urging commu n i t y g ro u p s workplaces, schools, universities and health and social care providers and individuals in Lanarkshire to start by getting involved in Time to Talk day on February 6.

A Censuswide survey of 146 people in Lanarkshire found that 28 per cent are not comfortable speaking about their own mental health; this is slightly lower than the national average of 29 per cent.

Time to Talk day aims to get everyone in the country talking about mental health, to stop people from feeling isolated when they are struggling.

Wendy Halliday, See Me interim director, said: “Too many people with mental health problems are still made to feel isolated, worthless and ashamed.

“See Me wants to make this year’s Time to Talk to be the biggest and best yet; wherever you are on the day, have your conversation about mental health.

“You can go onto our website and order materials, get ideas on activities and events you can run and download everything you need to support on social media.”

People can get involved by hosting an activity on February 6, or putting materials out, encouraging people to speak.

There are lots of downloadable resources and packs available at www. seemescotland.org.