Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has highlighted the particular mental health challenges people living in the Highlands and Islands face.
Speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week, the Conservative MSP said those in remote and rural communities often found mental health services distant or inaccessible, with the close knit nature of many of Scotland’s rural communities leaving sufferers feeling even more isolated.
Mr Halcro Johnston also highlighted the increasing impact of social media which he said risked leaving those will mental ill health more exposed to damaging online cyber-bullying.
Mr Halcro Johnston, who recently raised the issue of mental health service cuts in Shetland, as well as visiting the Blide Trust in Kirkwall last summer, called on the SNP Government to do more to support services across the Highlands and Islands.
Commenting Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP said: “Mental ill health is an increasing challenge facing people living in in remote and rural communities.
“While this is a growing health challenge, many in the Highlands and Islands risk finding themselves increasingly distant from the services they need and on which they rely on. And the often close knit nature of these communities, which have so many other benefits, can leave those suffering from mental ill health feeling even more isolated, particularly if they feel they don’t ‘fit in’.
“Furthermore, while there are many advantages to social media, for many of those living in our remote and rural communities, their mental ill health can be made worse by their inability to escape the local social media bubble. It also makes them more susceptible to cyber-bullying which then risks making their situation worse.
“It is therefore imperative that we continue to work to bring about a positive change for those suffering mental ill health, and that the Scottish Government ensures services and support are locally accessible, even for those in our more remote and rural communities.
“During Mental Health Awareness Week, politicians from all parties must commit to do all we can to ensure those living with mental ill health, and their families, get the local support they need”.