A DALRY man is encouraging residents to speak out about their struggles with mental health amid a fresh lockdown being imposed across the country.

Tommy Kelly, a volunteer with the See Me programme which aims to end mental health discrimination, is urging locals not to bottle things up amid reports that people are not talking about their mental health due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after See Me explored how the pandemic, lockdown and social distancing has affected the stigma experienced by those who live with mental health problems.

The survey found that social media had made people feel they should not be struggling when others were in a worse position due to COVID-19, with respondents also saying they were less likely to share their feelings, and that having more time to think in lockdown led to them feeling shame and guilt.

Mr Kelly has been a volunteer with the group for five years and has helped people to speak out after he struggled with his mental health following the death of his mother.

He said: “Speaking has definitely been more difficult during the pandemic because people have been going through a lot – and dying – so your problems seem miniscule.

“I think where the pandemic has also affected me is being home and having a lot of time on my hands.

“It’s around now that I have the anniversary of a difficult point in my life. In other years, I’ve been able to get out and keep busy but, not being able to do that means I can be left with depressive thoughts.”

In a bid to end the stigma around mental health See Me and Mr Kelly is encouraging community groups, workplaces, schools, and health and social care providers in Ayrshire to get involved in Time to Talk Day.

The awareness campaign will take place on February 4 and aims to get people talking about mental health, so people never have to feel embarrassed or ashamed to say they are struggling. With lockdown keeping people apart, this

year locals are being encouraged to send Time to Talk postcards as a way to start a conversation.

Mr Kelly said: “The more we all speak, the more we lessen the stigma. It’s as simple as someone reaching out and asking how you are and if they can help in any way.

“Talking and sharing is definitely part of the recovery process.

“Mental health problems thrive in secrecy, so being able to share, and then accepting help, is how you take back control.

“Conversations can really save lives. ”

To take part in Time to Talk Day visit www.seemescotland.org.