Last night, The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland brought its updated MSP guide to mental health and mental illness to the Scottish Parliament for a special reception at Holyrood.
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, and Joe Long MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Mental Wellbeing, were among the politicians in attendance and gave speeches.
Maree Todd MSP said:
“Mental health affects every community in Scotland. The refreshed MSP Guide to Mental Health and Mental Illness will equip MSPs and their staff with practical information to better support constituents seeking help and advice.
“I would like to thank the Royal College for producing this guide and for its ongoing commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in Scotland."
The event brought together MSPs, clinicians, College members and representatives from the third sector. They discussed how MSPs can better support constituents affected by mental illness and help drive improvements in mental health care across Scotland.
Originally published last year, the guide has been refreshed following the election of 64 new MSPs to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026. The updated guide aims to ensure policymakers have access to practical, up-to-date information on mental health and mental illness.
RCPsychiS developed the guide to improve understanding of mental health and mental illness among MSPs and their staff, in response to rising levels of mental health conditions and increased need for support. This second edition has been updated in response to feedback from MSPs, parliamentary staff and civil servants.
The resource explains the difference between mental health, mental wellbeing and mental illness and provides an overview of some common mental health conditions. It highlights the prevalence of mental ill health, offers practical advice on supporting constituents experiencing distress and includes guidance on reducing stigma. It also contains a glossary of key terms and a directory of organisations and services that provide support across Scotland.
Highlighting the importance of the guide, Joe Long MSP said:
“Never have conversations about mental health been more important, and never has it been more necessary that those conversations are well informed. It is vital that policy-makers understand the language of mental health, the paradigms that underpin clinical care, and the wider service landscape if we are to bring about meaningful improvements in support. This guide will be an invaluable resource in supporting that understanding.”
The guide also includes advice for policymakers on how to champion mental health and influence change within the Scottish Parliament and their constituencies.
Dr Jane Morris, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said:
"Concerns about mental health and mental illness affect every community in Scotland, and MSPs regularly encounter the challenges faced by people experiencing mental illness and those who care for them."
"This edition comes at a particularly important time. Scotland is entering a significant period of health and social care reform, creating opportunities to improve services and outcomes for patients. As discussions progress, it is vital that mental health is given the same priority as physical health, and that the voices of people with lived experience, mental health professionals and carers are heard.
"We hope this guide will be a useful resource in supporting MSPs' work and helping them champion better mental health care for their constituents.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896