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.”