'see me' Scotland
'see me' was set up to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill health by running a national campaign to improve public attitudes.
Visit the 'see me' website at
www.seemescotland.org
Getting the message across
The campaign combines an award-winning national publicity programme with local and national anti-stigma action developed in partnership with like-minded groups and individuals across all sectors of Scottish life. Individuals who have experience of stigma are involved in all aspects of the campaign, with some being supported to talk to the media about the impact stigma has had on their lives.
Why is tackling stigma and discrimination important?
Being avoided, ignored, talked about, laughed at or bullied – that is stigma. It discourages people from seeking help when they begin to experience problems and impedes recovery. Like other kinds of prejudice, it is rooted in fear and lack of knowledge and leads to discrimination against people with mental health problems. It is often reinforced by misleading or inaccurate stereotyping in the media.
Can I help?
Everyone can do something to help. Sticking by a friend or colleague who is experiencing mental health problems sends out the right message to other people, who may be unsure about how to react themselves. At a practical level, individuals and organisations can help 'see me' by distributing campaign literature in workplaces, schools and at local events. You can also help by alerting 'see me' when you find examples of stigma or discrimination in daily life. Visit the 'see me' website or call the number at the bottom of this page to find how you can get involved.
Misleading media
The media often perpetuates mistaken ideas about people with mental health problems. 'see me' set up Stigma Stop Watch to address this problem. Anybody can sign up to help 'see me' challenge misleading or inaccurate portrayals, or to support media professionals whose work helps to break down stigma. Visit the 'see me' website to find out more.
A partnership with the voluntary sector
An alliance of five mental health charities run the 'see me' campaign with full financial backing from the National Programme. The five charities are:
- Highland Users Group
- National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
- Penumbra
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- The Scottish Association for Mental Health
'see me' and the National Programme
'see me' is the main body working towards the National Programme's Key Aim of Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination around mental ill health. It also has a significant role in Raising Awareness and Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing. The National Programme has allocated funding to run the campaign until 2008.
Key Contacts (non-emergency)
Suzie Vestri
Acting Campaign Director
t: 0131 624 8945
e: info@seemescotland.org
Click here to find out how to get help now.
Real life stories of living with, recovering from and caring for people with mental illness.
Living with Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) Jemma tells it how it is. Updated weekly.
Let us know what you think of Jemma's Diary, email us at wellscotland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Hold that thought
Certain patterns of thinking are linked to mental health problems. Whether unhelpful thoughts are the cause of feeling bad, or vice versa, doesn't really matter.
What's important is the fact that if we change our thinking, our mood changes with it. This effect can help protect us from mental illness and, when used in the right way, can be used to treat some illnesses such as mild to moderate depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches people how to spot and stop damaging patterns of thought. There are books, tapes, CD-ROM's and websites that take you through the process step-by-step (check out the Living Life to the Full website).
Alternatively, ask your GP about CBT or contact the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, or Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland to find a practitioner near you.
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