TODAY is Time to Talk Day but across the country the majority of Scots feel they have no-one to talk to about issues such as mental health or relationship problems.
That is the conclusion of a survey which has been published as part of Time to Talk Day in which charities are leading a push to get people talking more openly about mental health.
The research found that in Scotland, two-thirds of those surveyed said they have no-one to talk to or could not find the right time or place when it comes to personal conversations on topics such as mental health, money problems and relationships.
The figure is replicated across the UK and charity See Me Scotland has joined its partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to organise the day.
See Me Scotland explained: “Time to Talk Day is a chance for all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.”
Politicians and celebrities are backing the campaign. Comedians Des Clarke and Jane Godley are contributing by spending time at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow chatting to people about the issue.
Clarke said: “We all have mental health and it should be something we can talk about anywhere.
“At the moment people still find it difficult to open up and speak about how they are feeling.
“That’s why I wanted to come down and show that even in a museum you can chat about what’s going on in your life and how you’re feeling.”
Also supporting the campaign is First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said: “We want to create a Scotland where all mental health stigma and discrimination is challenged.
“No-one should be made to feel ashamed or isolated because of their mental health.
“The work of See Me – and their Time to Talk campaign in particular – are hugely important as they encourage people to have a conversation and open up about mental health issues.
“So, if you are worried about someone, show you care by taking the first step. Start that conversation and ask them if they are okay.”
Liam Rankin, 49, from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, was first diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was a teenager and has realised talking about it has helped.
He said: “I always thought I couldn’t tell anyone about my schizophrenia, that it wasn’t something I should talk about.
“So, I ended up self-harming and overdosing to try and get people to ask me how I was. If no-one asks you how you are, then it is so much harder to talk about it.
“The more you speak, the more you realise you’re not alone and there are people out there to talk to.”
See Me director Calum Irving said: “It’s easy to think there’s no right place to talk about mental health, but the more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us.
“Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, worthless and ashamed.
“Conversations have the power to change lives, wherever they take place.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here