A new guide on mental health for MSPs and staffers has been unveiled in the Scottish Parliament.
The easy-read handbook was first published in Wales for MSs in the Senedd.
The guide aims to give politicians and their staff all the information they need at their fingertips on mental health - including where to signpost constituents.
The College decided to put the information together as there has been a doubling of those seeking help for mental health conditions across the UK.
Now, MSPs and their staff will be equipped with a good understanding of the difference between mental health conditions, mood disorders and more serious mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Although not designed as a guide on how to treat people with mental illness the handbook aims to give a greater insight into the many mental illnesses with a glossy of terms, advice on how to handle challenging emails and how to signpost someone in crisis, including self-harm.
Dr Jane Morris, chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to our colleagues in Wales, for allowing us to share their work which was already promoted with politicians in the Welsh parliament.
“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.
“We hope that the guide will benefit MSPs in Scotland just like it helped politicians in Wales.”
Professor Alka Ahuja, chair of RCPsych in Wales, added:
“MSs in the Senedd have told us they find the information most useful when dealing with members of the public who come to them. Some of these people may have a mental health condition or caring for a loved one who does.
“With the rise in mental health conditions increasing across the UK – it is so important we lead the way in informing politicians and the wider public about the different types of conditions and signpost on where to get help.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: laura.varney@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: Senior Media Officer (Devolved Nations) Laura Varney