THE SNP’s former Westminster deputy leader has opened up about her mental health journey during the pandemic.

Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman said while it was “unusual” for a politician to openly discuss their own mental health experience, various forms of support have helped her recover to the stage where she is able to talk about it.

The MP stepped down from her role as the party’s Westminster deputy leader in July, citing the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on her mental health.

In her announcement she said she “strongly believes” people should be able to talk openly about mental health issues.

Writing in the thread last night, Blackman said the pandemic has been challenging. “Life has changed in ways nobody predicted and we couldn’t have imagined even at the start of 2020,” she said.

“Many of us have been ill. Far too many have lost loved ones. We have not been able to seek the comfort of spending time with those we love.”

Blackman explained that at the beginning of the year her mental health was “already on a shoogly peg” thanks to an increase in workload, the challenges of parenthood, the stress of three General Elections in four years and the “mess of Brexit” – she felt she needed a break.

Blackman went on: “This summer I have needed that time. I have been so grateful for the support from the SNP Westminster team, from our First Minister, from politicians of all parties, from my wonderful staff and from so many constituents.

“It is unusual for a politician, or anyone in the public eye, to talk about their mental health issues. Only a break and antidepressants has got me to this level of recovery.

“The worst thing was the lack of energy. Some days I couldn’t find the energy to get off the sofa. I felt so sad and worried all of the time. Eventually I was diagnosed with moderate depression.”

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The MP added that while she isn’t yet totally recovered, she is “much better” than she was.

“Recovery is a really slow process, especially in the midst of a pandemic,” the MP wrote.

The politician also called on those in similar situations to continue working with medical professionals and consider a change of prescription if antidepressants are not working effectively.

She concluded: “This is a long road for all of us. Please know that you are not alone. It is okay to not be okay.”

Politicians, journalists and campaigners thanked Blackman for her openness. Musician Eddi Reader told her: “Thanks for that Kirsty - well written and good for me to hear that we are all under the same pressure.”

Party colleague Alison Thewliss said she was sending love and virtual hugs – adding it has been a “ridiculous year with a ton of pressure”.

Author EL James added: “Thank you for your courage in posting about this and raising awareness. I wish you a speedy recovery.”

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) found in a poll this week that the Covid-19 pandemic is having a big impact on people’s wellbeing. Nearly half of people polled who were referred for or received treatment since January 2019 said they were coping very or quite badly with mental health problems by August.

Earlier this month, to raise awareness around World Suicide Prevention Day, retiring MSP Gail Ross opened up on her own mental health.

The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP 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.”