A RETIRING SNP MSP has revealed the scope of the mental health issues which she endured in her role in the Scottish Parliament.

Taking to Twitter to raise awareness around mental health on World Suicide Prevention Day, Gail Ross wrote: “One of the reasons I'm not standing for re-election is that for 10 years as an elected member I have been completely focused on helping others, to the detriment of my own mental and physical health.

“I now know that self care is not selfish, it's essential.”

Ross, who has been the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross since May 2016, said it was hard to admit to having problems as she did not want to be “a burden”.

“Sometimes when someone asks you ‘how are you today?’ You just rely on the old... ‘fine’.

“Paint that smile on,” she added.

Opening up about her mental health struggles, and encouraging others to do the same, Ross wrote: “I wake up in the middle of the night and lay awake for hours.

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“I worry uncontrollably about things I can't control.

“I worry how my mental health issues are affecting my family.

“I worry about being so far away and something going wrong.

“I worry about worrying too much.”

The SNP MSP also offered advice to those close to people who may be having problems, saying: “Some people really do want to help so here's a bit of advice - if you know someone that is struggling - “Listen.

“Hear them.

“Don't dismiss them.

“Don't joke about them behind their back.

“Don't patronise them.

“Don't ever assume you know them or what they are going through.”

Ross finished her Twitter thread by saying it had been very hard for her to open up about such a private topic as her “overriding instinct is that this is my business and no-one else's”.

Though Ross limited replies on her Tweets so only those who she follows can answer, she has already received support and praise for her bravery.

Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon wrote: “Sending virtual hugs Gail. I’m so sorry that you have been struggling. Can identify with some of this.

“You are one of the loveliest people in this not-very-lovely Parliament. All political parties need to give themselves a shake.”

Colin Macfarlane, the director of Stonewall Scotland and Northern Ireland, added: “This must have been hard to do but you will help people by being so open and honest.

“You’ve been such an amazing ally to people, some of whom may have been or are struggling with their own mental health & who will read your words and will know they are not on their own.”

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Academic Dr Malcolm Harvey wrote: “You're absolutely doing the right thing for you, and it's not selfish at all.

“Thanks for sharing your experience - the more we talk about this, the better it is for everyone.

“Best wishes on your 'retirement'!”

Duncan Hothersall added: “So, so powerful that you have done this. It is brave and you should be proud, and I don't mean either of those things in a glib way but absolutely sincerely.

“This will help people, and I know that because it has already helped me. Thank you, and take care.”

World Suicide Prevention Day comes around every September 10.

Anyone struggling can find support from the Samaritans by calling 116 123 for free at any time of the day or night.