THREE quarters of Scottish adults have felt "overwhelmed" by stress in the last year, a new study has found.
The survey, by the Mental Health Foundation, finds that 74 per cent of those surveyed have at some point over the last year "felt so stressed they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope."
In the study, 80% of women reported this level of stress, compared to 68 per cent of men, and more (83 per cent) said this in the 18-24 age range than those aged 55 per cent or over.
Marianne Taylor: Let Baby Boomers pay for better mental health services
It also found that more than a third of people (35 per cent) had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of stress.
One sixth of people (16 per cent), in the survey of 1000, said they had self-harmed as a result of feelings of stress.
The study was commissioned by YouGov to launch Mental Health Awareness week.
It is included in a new report by the Mental Health Foundation published this week entitled Stress – Are We Coping?
Lee Knifton, head of Mental Health Foundation Scotland said: "Very large numbers of adults in Scotland are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our health.
"Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns.
"Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression.
"It is also linked to physical health problems like heart disease, problems with our immune system, insomnia and digestive problems."
Marianne Taylor: Let Baby Boomers pay for better mental health services
Mr Knifton added: "Individually we need to understand what is causing us personal stress and learn how to respond most effectively.
"But we also need to change at a societal level.
"This includes ensuring that employers treat stress and mental health problems as seriously as physical safety.
"We are also asking for well-being days to be provided to public sector workers as part of reducing the pressure on those who work hardest to look after us."
The week will be marked by the lighting up in green of several Scottish landmarks and public buildings.
Marianne Taylor: Let Baby Boomers pay for better mental health services
Buildings illuminated in this manner include Edinburgh Castle, SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, the Ness Bridge in Inverness, Slessor Gardens and Seabraes Bridge in Dundee, and Dumfries and Galloway Council headquarters.
Public figures including the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon are expected to wear the Green Ribbon pin badges in Holyrood in support of mental health awareness.
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