Local people take the opportunity to attend Kirrie mental health drop-in

The drop-in at the supermarket was organised as part of Time to Talk Day, which is held annually to allow friends, families, communities, and workplaces can come together to talk, listen and change lives. The campaign helps break down barriers and reduce the stigma which prevents so many from asking for help when they need it.

Research released this year showed that the campaign is still needed. A poll of more than 1000 Scots showed that three in five think the cost of living crisis has had an impact on their mental health, but a third admitted that they never make space in their day to talk about mental health.

When asked what makes it difficult to talk about mental health, respondents said not wanting to “bother people” as there are “bigger issues”, worrying about being judged and not knowing how to bring it up were all reasons people find it difficult to start a conversation. See Me, the national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, in partnership with Co-op, led the campaign in Scotland.

After two years of online activity, this year’s Time to Talk Day saw a range of activities and events take place across Angus.

SAMH hosted mental health drop-in services via its Wellbeing on Wheels initiative. While stationed at Forfar Community Campus, representatives spoke with more than 30 school pupils about mental health.

Wendy Halliday, See Me director said: “I have been so impressed all the support we had for this year’s Time to Talk Day across Angus.

“Everyone has mental health, and any one of us can struggle with our mental health at one point or another. It’s also crucial to understand stigma plays a role in opening up about how you’re feeling. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health in a way that suits them.”

Find out how you can continue to tackle mental health stigma beyond Time to Talk Day at seemescotland.org/SeeUs.

Nikki Furnival, See Me volunteer spokesperson, added: “The advice I would give to someone who may be a little hesitant to open up about their mental health is to think about how and where you have that conversation. Think about the right location for you. And think about how you’re going to start that conversation. For me, some of the times that I’ve opened up about my mental health, the easiest has been going for a walk.”