'see me' launches New Year campaign as friends and family identified as main source of stigma.

Today (Tuesday, 5th January) ‘see me’ - Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health - launches a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of support from friends and family, as a new survey shows 47% of people battling a mental health problem cite friends and family as the main source of stigma.

One in four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.  And, importantly, 62% of these people state that support from family and friends is most important in aiding their recovery.  Therefore, it’s vital that Scots know what steps to take to support their loved one:

•    One of the most important things to remember about mental ill-health is that people can and do recover.
•    Remember that your friend or family member is likely to be nervous about telling you how they feel.
•    Don’t shy away from the issue.  Ask questions, listen to ideas, and be responsive. Ask what you can do to help.
•    Don’t dismiss a person’s worries - express your interest and concern.
•    You don’t have to have all the 'right' answers, simply listening shows you care.
•    Remember that the mental health problem being experienced by your friend or family member is only a part of who they are.
•    People with mental health problems often feel excluded, lonely and alone. Reassure your friend / relative that you still care about them and include them in your everyday plans.


The campaign will see radio and TV ads, billboards and posters go live across Scotland featuring either a daughter, a father and daughter, two brothers or two female friends, each with the campaign badge “see me, I’m still your...” reflecting that a person’s mental ill-health is only a small part of who they are.  People will also be able to go online to www.seemescotland.org to upload their own personalised badge, photo and message of support.

Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director, comments: “While people are increasingly more open about mental health problems, stigma still exists; and mainly from friends and family. 

“Family, friends and colleagues often, unintentionally, respond in a way that makes the situation worse, and we all need to realise that stigma can be more distressing than the symptoms of a mental illness.

“The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness that, when someone is experiencing mental health problems, support from friends and family is the most important aid to recovery.  Even small things you do can make a big difference.  You don’t have to be an expert: just be there and be yourself.”



For more information, campaign materials, or to arrange an interview with a case study or campaign representative, please contact Lesley Morton or Emily Moyes at Stripe Communications on (0131) 561 8626 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .