A teenager from Aberdeenshire who attempted to take his own life has called on others battling depression and anxiety to overcome the stigma and seek help as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Ben Conway, a former Mearns Academy pupil, has dealt with a mental illness since he was young.
Over the years of his struggle, Mr Conway has been passed to and from various medical and therapeutic professionals on his personal journey to find a treatment that worked for him.
But on the eve of his 18th birthday last April, Mr Conway admitted he had not yet found the support he needed, and attempted to commit suicide via overdose.
He was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where doctors acted quickly to purge his body, and he was thankfully discharged in time to sit his exams, just days later.
Now, just more than a year later, Mr Conway says he is finally on his way to finding the right treatment to help him battle his mental illness.
And the 19-year-old is urging others to never give up their efforts to find the support that works for them.
He said: “Some people might take one medication, see that it doesn’t work for them and give up, thinking that there’s nothing that can help them.
“And I’ll admit, I was one of those people.
“But what you have to do is keep trying, because eventually you’ll find what you need.
“It’s difficult, because you’re being told so many different things by so many different people.
“But the most important thing is to never give up, because I really believe I’m getting better now thanks to finally finding the right treatment and support.
“I really owe my life to all my friends and family and others who have kept encouraging me to keep trying.
“It’s never too late to get help.”
For people who might be seeking some support in coping with life, the Samaritans offer a free and confidential emotional support service for those who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Calum Irving, the director of the mental health group See Mee, said that Mental Health Awareness week highlights the important often overlooked issue.
He said: “There has been a real change in the amount of people speaking publicly about mental health.
“However the stigma around it still stops people asking for help because they are worried about the reaction they will receive.
“No one should ever be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone that they experience mental health problems. We all have mental health and any of us could go through a period where we struggle.
“It’s important to know that it is okay not to be okay.
“The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is surviving or thriving, and we can all help to ensure that people can thrive and live fulfilled lives.
“It starts with people feeling comfortable to talk about how they are feeling and not dealing with problems alone. If you think someone is going through a tough time, ask them if they are okay, show you care and really listen.”
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, on telephone number 116 123.
