‘There is always help out there’ – how the right support can help turn your life around

It’s well known that talking about our problems can do a world of good. So why do so many of us not do so?

According to a national survey by See Me* – a national programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination – more than a quarter of Scots (29%) are put off from discussing their mental health through a fear of burdening others, and a feeling that ignoring your mental health is preferable to having an “awkward” conversation.

Additionally, around one in five are reluctant to do so from a fear of being judged.

However, all this doesn’t mean you need to go it alone - as 'W.' has found.

'W.' moved to Scotland four years ago after growing up in East Asia, and says he has faced challenges with being accepted in society.

“People made assumptions about me that weren’t true,” he says. “It made me feel unsafe and unwelcome."

These experiences left 'W.' anxious and isolated, despite his efforts to integrate and join community groups. ‘W.’ decided to seek help for his mental wellbeing, and found NHS Inform’s Mind to Mind website, which offers information and support in a variety of languages.

The site also includes a bank of resources to help people find the support available to them in an easy and accessible way, and from the comfort of their own spaces – important because See Me’s study also found that 45% of Scots felt most comfortable talking about their mental health at home.

“The resources helped me manage anxiety and rebuild my self‑belief,” 'W.' explains.

Now studying geology, 'W.' feels hopeful about a career in the field. He encourages other people experiencing the same challenges to seek confidential support: "There is always help out there and it can change your outlook.”

Born and raised in Ayrshire,