26% of Scots have experienced mental health issues

A QUARTER OF SCOTS have experienced a mental health problem, according to a new survey commissioned by the Scottish Government.

The survey found that 26% of people said they had personally experienced a problem with mental health at some point in their life, with depression cited as the most common. Picture: PA

The survey found that 26% of people said they had personally experienced a problem with mental health at some point in their life, with depression cited as the most common.

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Almost half of the 1,500 people questioned said that if they were suffering they “wouldn’t want people knowing about it” while about two-fifths of those suffering said they had experienced some negative social impact as a result of others’ attitudes.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said the survey showed there is still some stigma around mental health.

The findings were revealed in the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government and carried out by ScotCen Social Research.

Researchers found that overall attitudes towards mental health and those with mental health problems have been fairly stable over the last decade, with no clear trends towards either an overall reduction or increase in stigmatising attitudes.

The survey found that 47% said that they would not want anyone to know if they were suffering from mental health problems, a slight increase from 44% in the previous survey in 2008.

Of people who have actually experienced a problem, 85% have talked to someone about it, slightly down on 88% in the last survey.

In addition, 37% have experienced negative social impact as a result of their mental health - an increase from 23% in 2008, with 22% stating they have avoided a social event because they feared how they would be treated.

Around one in five agreed with the statement that “people with mental health problems are often dangerous” and more than one in four that “the public should be better protected from people with mental health problems” - these figures have been fairly consistent over time according to the survey.

• A “culture” of stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems affects nine out of ten sufferers in Scotland, according to campaigners

Mr Matheson said: “This survey gives us some invaluable information about attitudes towards mental health, which helps us to better tackle the prejudices and misconceptions which still exist.

“It shows us that, unfortunately, there is still some stigma surrounding mental health.

“For that reason it’s all the more important that the Scottish Government continues our work to reduce the stigma suffered by people with mental health conditions.

“We fund See Me, which has just launched an anti-stigma campaign called ‘People like you will end mental health stigma and discrimination’.

“The best way to start to deal with a mental-health problem is to talk about it. Also, if more people talk about their problems this will help to spread greater understanding and tolerance.

“This could be talking it through with a friend or family member or going to your GP. There are treatments available that will help you to deal with your problems.”

SEE ALSO:

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