A woman whose battle with depression and schizophrenia cost her friends and left her feeling alienated has welcomed multi-million-pound funds to fight mental health discrimination.
Lynsey Pattie, 21, from Motherwell, was diagnosed with depression aged 15 and schizophrenia aged 18.
She volunteers with Scottish Association for Mental Health (SamH) to raise awareness, and has backed a new £4.5 million fund from Comic Relief and the Scottish Government.
It will fund a three-year campaign to help communities tackle stigma against people with poor mental health in local business, health, education and social care settings, and encourage sufferers to speak out.
Ms Pattie said: "I've experienced mental health problems for most of my life so I know how it feels to deal with the stigma of mental ill-health. I've lost friends and have felt alienated by people who don't understand that I'm still the same person.
"With the right information, the stigma of mental ill-health can be reduced."
The project is led by SamH and the Mental Health Foundation.
The foundation's head in Scotland, Isabella Goldie, said: "Many people experiencing mental health problems find that they are avoided by those closest to them and most able to help, their family and friends, and as a result can face their difficulties alone.
"Feelings of shame can prevent people from seeking help, and discrimination can greatly limit opportunities."
SamH chief executive Billy Watson said: "It is imperative that we work towards eliminating the stigma and discrimination that currently exists."
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