As part of Scottish Mental Health Week (10 – 16 Oct 2011), the SNP’s Bob Doris MSP has highlighted the 'unacceptable stigma' suffered by those with mental health conditions in Scotland. Mr Doris has signed the 'see me' Wall of Support and pledged his commitment to tackling public attitudes associated with mental ill-health.

National statistics show that one in four people in Scotland will experience a period of mental ill-health.

This means an estimated 167,200 adults from the Glasgow Region could experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.  Many more will know and support or care for someone close to them.

Bob Doris said: "The work of 'see me' in tackling discrimination against those with mental health problems is to be applauded. In my work as Deputy Convenor of the parliament's Health and Sport Committee I am committed to bringing this issue to the attention of policy makers. There has already been a marked improvement in public attitudes towards mental ill-health but much more needs to be done to tackle the issue head on."

Improving mental well-being is a key priority for the Scottish Government and at a recent ‘see me’ event at the Scottish Parliament almost 70% of MSPs pledged their support for the ‘see me’ campaign.

Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director added: "While people are increasingly open about their mental health, stigma and discrimination still exists and we have much to achieve in reaching ‘see me’s vision for a Scotland where all people with mental health problems are fully equal and included.

"I think it’s fantastic that so many MSPs have the topic of mental health on their agenda and we hope that the support they have pledged will encourage others to take positive action by joining us in tackling the stigma of mental ill-health."

For more information about the ‘see me’ campaign and to sign up to the ‘see me’ wall of support visit: www.seemescotland.org

Notes:

• ‘see me’ is Scotland's national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health.  The ‘see me’ anti-stigma campaign is owned and run by an alliance of five Scottish mental health organisations: Highland Users Group (HUG), Penumbra, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Scottish Division), Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Support in Mind Scotland.
• ‘see me’ is fully funded by the Scottish Government
• The ‘see me’ campaign features a programme of events and local and national initiatives to reduce the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland.
• The ’see me’ website www.seemescotland.org acts as a signpost site for those seeking information on stigma, mental health problems and support services in Scotland.