CELEBRITIES including Gok Wan have put their support behind a campaign aimed at tackling the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health amongst in Scots teenagers.
Gok, Scots singer/songwriter, Rachel Sermanni and actor Greg McHugh, who plays Gary McLintoch in Gary: Tank Commander, have all praised the new campaign, stressing its importance.
Gok, known for his show ‘How to Look Good Naked’, said: “I suffered from anorexia when I was a teenager and I think much of it was triggered by being bullied and feeling lonely as a teenager. It’s important to realise eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia affect boys as well as girls.
“That’s why it’s so essential to be open to listening and talking to your friends and to have a positive attitude to mental health. I hope by giving my support to this campaign it helps to end the stigma of mental ill-health in Scotland.”
Gok Wan suffered anorexia as a teenager Photo:Ghetto-Shiz
Greg McHugh added his support: “Mental health problems among young people are more common than people may think and are often difficult to spot. That’s why it’s important to listen as well as talk to your friends – it can make a big difference.
“I’m happy to support this great new campaign from ‘see me’ and hope that it will make a big difference for young people across Scotland.
“I’ve always been able to express myself through writing and acting but I know this is something that young people can find hard to do at times. By showing my support for the campaign I hope it will encourage young people to look out for their friends and ultimately end the stigma of mental ill-health in Scotland.”
Rachel Sermanni said: “Mental ill-health is something that can affect anyone at anytime of their lives. I have always found singing songs a wonderful release for my thoughts and feelings, but it’s not always easy to find a balance and I understand that not everyone has a medium for dealing with their troubles. I hope my involvement in supporting ‘see me’ will help raise awareness of the importance of being open and positive about mental ill-health”.
Rachel Sermanni is also supporting the campaign
Latest figures show one in ten children and young people are affected by mental health problems. That’s why ‘see me’ – Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health – has launched the new campaign which encourages 13-15 year olds to think about their behaviour towards their peers.
Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director, says: “It’s great to see celebrities getting behind our new campaign, we hope that it helps spread the message to young people how important it is to talk and listen to their friends.
“Our ‘What’s On Your Mind?’ campaign aims to provide clarity about mental ill-health and to start discussion about how our behaviour affects others. Just listening and being supportive to a young person in trouble can make all the difference, whether you’re a friend, parent or teacher.
“Only by positively talking about mental health can we end stigma.”
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