A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage people to ‘take time to talk’ in a bid to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.

Results from a new survey show that nearly one-third of residents in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, which covers Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, don’t feel comfortable when talking openly about their own mental health issues.

However, experts at See Me – Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination – have stressed that no-one should ever have to feel ashamed or embarrassed to say they are struggling.

The charity is urging community groups, workplaces, schools and health and social care providers in the local area to get involved in Time to Talk Day on Thursday, February 6.

A survey of around 500 people across Greater Glasgow and Clyde found that 28 per cent are not comfortable speaking about their own mental health. This is lower than the national average of 29 per cent.

Time to Talk Day aims to get everyone in the local area talking about mental health, to help prevent 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.

“Conversations have the power to change lives, wherever they take place.

“See Me wants to make this year’s Time to Talk 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.”

For more information, go online at www.seemescotland.org.

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