Stoltman brother backs Holyrood declaring mental health crisis

Five-time Scotland's strongest man is backing MSPs for declaring a 'mental health crisis.'

Luke Stoltman was praised again for speaking about his wellbeing, after posting a video on Tuesday detailing his mental health issues.

Opposition MSPs united to defeat the Scottish Government yesterday in a vote declaring a crisis in Scotland.

However, the Scottish Government say they're investing £1.2 billion in mental health in the coming year.

The Invergordon champ and one half of the world's strongest brothers is hoping this will have an impact.

He said: "When I see people taking their own lives, it’s just not ok.

"We go on about the Highlands being such an amazing and friendly place, but we need to reach out more to people.

"It’s not ok for us just to sit back.

“It really breaks my heart to see people struggle with mental health, so that’s why I like to speak out about it, be open.

"Hopefully, somebody listening can take comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

"It’s not just words we need to say now, it’s action.

"Go out to those who are vulnerable, make sure they’re ok and give them the support they need because it’s so apparent in Scotland that we are going through this crisis.

“It’s great to see that we finally are acknowledging it, before it does get to a point of no return.

"Hopefully we can turn it around, we can all be happy and we can learn to deal with it and have our coping mechanisms."

Luke Stoltman has previously spoken about getting therapy after his mum passed away in 2016.

He's also an ambassador for Highland mental health service Mikeysline.

Luke added: "I do have days where I don’t want to get out of bed, I get a bit overwhelmed.

"Mainly due to the fact that Tom and I are in the public eye, it’s all go.

"It's great and I’m very thankful, but at the same time it’s something that’s alien to me and I don’t know how to deal with it sometimes.

“There’s various triggers, our mum’s birthday is coming up in a few weeks, Mother's Day, if I have a fallout with my wife.

"I can sense it coming on, and I am lucky in that sense because I do know what my triggers are to kickstarting that down day.

“It’s paramount to learn what triggers you, it might be alcohol, it might be mixing with the wrong type of people and then learning how to deal with it.

“For me, my coping mechanisms are immersing myself in cold water and training.

"My training is so important for my mental health. I can’t emphasise how important it is to be in the fresh air.

"Putting your body in a strenuous environment, whether that’s training, running, cycling in the cold. You get this reward from it.

"I try and get into the water for sunrise, my endorphins are flowing, the boost I get is unbelievable."