Third of Scottish adults would avoid talking to a friend struggling with mental illness, survey reveals

A new survey reveals nearly a third of Scottish adults would put off speaking to a friend who is struggling with their mental health to avoid having an awkward conversation.

It also says 39% are scared of saying the wrong thing and 51% would prefer not to tell anyone if they had a mental health problem and deal with it on their own.

The survey is published today as part of See Me Scotland's "Time to Talk" day which aims to end the stigma and discrimination around mental illness.

Wendy Halliday, See Me interim director, said: “If people avoid conversations on mental health because they might be awkward, and people who are struggling don’t want to tell anyone, that leaves a huge gap where support and care could be.

“There are a lot more conversations happening on mental health, and this Time to Talk day is set to be the biggest yet in Scotland.

“However stigma is still stopping a huge amount of conversations from happening. 75 per cent of people we surveyed would tell someone they were fine, even if they were struggling with their mental health.

“We all have a role in changing this, if you’re worried about someone, ask them if they’re okay today.”

Time to Talk day is run in Scotland by See Me, in England by Time to Change, Time to Change Wales, Change Your Mind in Northern Ireland and See Change in Ireland. Get involved using #timetotalk on social media.