NY2SY SOLO NORTH ATLANTIC ROW
MY CHARITY
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is Scotland's leading mental health charity and supports over 3000 people with mental health problems every day.
Having suffered from depression myself I know just how helpless, lonely and desperate people can feel. But I also know that there is help available and that, with the right support and care, there is a way through.
There are many myths about mental health problems. These myths create more stigma that can stop people getting help when they need it or prevent them talking openly about their problems. It can also make people feel guilty, isolated or ashamed if they become unwell.
The reasons for this stigma vary but it seems that a general lack of understanding contributes - we also seem scared of the whole subject. Half of us say that if we developed a mental health problem then we wouldn't want anyone to know. One in four people in Scotland will have a mental health problem at some point in their life. This means that you may know someone with a mental health problem, or maybe you're worried about your own mental health.
While some people with severe and enduring mental health issues may never 'be cured' that doesn't mean to say that they will be ill all of their lives. People live productive and fruitful lives all of the time using coping and support mechanisms such as appropriate medication, regular counselling and personal support.
There are also many people who may experience a single episode of illness. This is as true of schizophrenia as it is of depression. People can and do recover from mental health problems all the time.
SAMH believe there is no health without mental health. They provide help, information and support; campaign on behalf of people with mental health problems and raise money to fund this vital work.
Many of us are familiar with the term 'mental health problems', but actually understanding what this means can be a different matter.
Common mental health problems include:
Self-harm
Schizophrenia
Depression
Phobias
Eating Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Personality Disorder
Stress
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Natal Depression
For more information about the Scottish Association for Mental Health, the vital work they carry out and the support and help that they can offer, please visit:
SIR CHRIS HOY MBE
“Niall Iain's challenge to row across the Atlantic to raise funds for SAMH is an inspiration to all of us. Taking on an endurance event like this will require a great deal of physical and mental strength, and on behalf of everyone at SAMH I would like to wish Niall Iain good luck and all the very best for the challenge.”
