New mental health guide aims to better equip MSPs to help constituents

A new guide on mental health for MSPs has been unveiled to help politicians better help constituents in need of support.

The handbook, produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), is thought to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

It will give MSPs information on mental health, including where to signpost constituents who require help.

The RCP said it made the handbook in response to a massive increase in Scots seeking mental health support.

The body said the guide, which will also be given to MSP staff, explains the difference between mental health conditions, mood disorders and more serious mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia.

The RCP said it is not designed to be a guide on how to treat people with mental illnesses.

Instead, it will explain common mental illnesses and give advice for MSPs and their staff handling emails from Scots in need, including those at risk of self-harm.

Graham Morgan, who has lived with paranoid schizophrenia for more than 40 years, welcomed the guide.

The 61-year-old mental health campaigner, from Argyll, said: “I welcome this guide, like any member of the public, people like me with a mental illness may need to contact our MSPs to raise issues of concern to us.

“It is important that our MSPs know something of our lives and know that our concerns need as much attention paid to them as anyone else’s.

“But that we may have needs that they need to be aware of in order to treat us with respect and sensitivity, in the unlikely event that it is needed to get help for us or those around us.”

Dr Jane Morris, chairwoman of the RCP in Scotland, said: “The mental health needs of all Scots are rapidly rising, and we know from conversations with politicians that they have also seen an increase in the number of people coming to them for support and advice.

“There are a lot of different types of mental illness with different dimensions.

“A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, so it is important to raise awareness of the range of conditions people might present with.

“A similar booklet was previously launched in the Senedd by our colleagues in Wales, but we think this is the first of its kind guidance in Scotland.

“We do hope MSPs and their staff find it useful in their daily dealings with constituents.”