Three leading mental health charities have urged Lanarkshire residents to increase their understanding and support for those living with mental illness, as part of a campaign aimed at ending the shame that still surrounds mental health.
The initiative, led by the UK Anti-Stigma Alliance—which includes See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland, and Time to Change Wales—seeks to address the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health conditions continue to face daily.
The campaign, launched in 2024 under the title If It’s Okay, was designed to challenge the deep-rooted shame many individuals living with mental illness experience. The campaign highlights how negative language and harmful behaviours can exacerbate the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Denise McLaren, a volunteer with See Me, shared her personal experience to illustrate the damaging effects of stigma. “Just because someone has a mental health issue does not mean they’re not capable of looking after children,” McLaren said. She recalled a distressing encounter at a swimming pool in Stirling, where people criticized her for being around children due to her mental health condition, unaware that the child in question was not hers. “I’ve not been back to the pool since,” she added, emphasizing the lasting impact of such comments.
A 2024 survey conducted to mark the campaign’s launch revealed troubling attitudes towards those with mental health conditions. It found that 36% of people in the UK—28% in Scotland—would not want someone with mental health experience to care for their child, while 17% (15% in Scotland) stated they wouldn’t consider a relationship with someone who has mental health challenges. Additionally, 51% of people across the UK (60% in Scotland) believe there is still a significant amount of shame associated with mental illness.
The campaign also pointed to the casual use of harmful language, such as referring to someone as “crazy” or “totally OCD.” Twenty percent of people in the UK (21% in Scotland) said they thought calling someone “crazy” was acceptable, while 22% (21% in Scotland) felt it was okay to use the term “totally OCD.”
Wendy Halliday, Director of See Me, emphasized that shame and self-stigma are significant barriers for individuals dealing with severe mental health conditions. “It can prevent people from speaking up, seeking help, or even being open with their loved ones,” Halliday explained. “We want to live in a society where everyone feels able to speak about their mental health experiences, free from shame and stigma.”
The campaign’s impact has already been felt, with 88% of participants in a UK-wide survey reporting that If It’s Okay helped them better understand the effects of shame on people with mental health conditions.
As the campaign gains momentum, See Me and its partners are calling on Lanarkshire residents to reflect on their language and actions when discussing mental health, urging people to be more mindful of the impact their words can have.
For more information on how to get involved and help end the stigma around mental illness, visit the See Me website.
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