Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has today marked Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place between the 16th and the 22nd May

With particular emphasis on young people and mental health awareness, the campaign aims to open up the conversation surrounding mental health, in order to overcome the stigma and discrimination attached in being diagnosed with a mental health illness.

Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that over 1 in 10 young people have had experience with mental health problems. This is in addition to the fact that 70% of children and young people who have had experience of a mental health problem have not received the appropriate support and early intervention required in order to begin treatment.

Commenting, Angela said:

“Given that this is an issue very close to my heart, I will always look for opportunities to champion the importance of mental health awareness, especially amongst younger people.

“The fact that over 70% of children and young people, who have already been identified has having a mental health problem, don’t receive the appropriate support that is needed is disheartening, to say the least.

“Access to early stage mental health treatment is crucial in order to start to alleviate the problems associated with mental health issues. Quite often, taking that first step in talking to someone about how you feel can be the most daunting but also the bravest and most rewarding.

“That is why I’m proud that the Scottish Government has pledged a new ten year plan to transform mental health in Scotland and invest an additional £150 million to improve mental health services. This extra investment will ensure mental health conditions and physical health conditions are treated with the parity they deserve.

“In addition, the Scottish Government has further committed to examining innovative ways to deliver better mental health services for children and young people, bringing together both healthcare and education bodies, creating a joined-up, multi-faceted approach.

“By involving several dedicated partners, not only will early treatment be on offer to those young people who need it most, there will also be more education and awareness made available to young people regarding mental health, which in turn will help eradicate the stigma that is often associated with mental health issues.

“Mental Health Awareness week aims to do just that – eradicate the stigma associated with mental health and engage young people in an open an approachable discussion surrounding the importance of their mental health. For far too long mental health problems amongst younger people have been dismissed; treated as a consequence of getting older and not as the legitimate health concern it is.

“I will always campaign for a greater awareness of the mental health, because if we raise enough awareness, we can ensure that another generation won’t grow up suffering in silence.”

If you have any questions surrounding Mental Health Awareness Week, or would like to know more about the support services on offer, please contact:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx