A CAMPAIGN to destroy any stigma surrounding mental health problems in Scotland is calling for fresh support this year.
The highly successful See Me programme is asking patients to share their stories about tackling any discrimination they have faced.
The campaign has also asked people to speak up for the cause on social media or to put up See Me posters at work.
See Me, which is funded by the Scottish Government and Comic Relief, is concerned patients who suffer mental health problems can have their confidence shattered by others.
Judith Robertson, See Me programme director, said: "There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect...
"Stigma and discrimination can make people who are mentally unwell feel worse. It can stop them asking for help and ultimately could be the difference between life and death."
According to the latest statistics, 47% of people wouldn't want anyone to know if they were experiencing poor mental health and that 37% of people with mental health problems have experienced discrimination socially.
Susan Falconer, 47, from Galashiels, said that she stood up to work colleagues after she was told things like "pull yourself together", "what have you got to be depressed about" and "well we can't afford for you to have another bout of this".
She said: "I put it back to them would you say the same to a person with a broken leg. Just because I don't have a plaster to say I am ill doesn't mean I am not.
"It has been hard working with people thinking you are going to break down at any given moment but I am not.
"I do have the odd blip but I am strong person and I am determined to make sure that people know mental ill health can happen to anyone.
"From speaking out, work has changed their attitudes and now helps others to understand."
Denise Welsh, from Stirling, has also backed the See Me message, after she was discriminated against when working in a crèche
The 29 year old said: "It made me feel so small like I am a failure, I'm a worthless and can't do anything.
"It completely shattered my confidence. It felt like I didn't deserve to be in this work, like I'm not safe and unable to look after children.
"We deserve to feel safe and secure and live our lives without the fear of being judged and discriminated against"
For more information visit www.seemescotland.org
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