Figures show nine in ten people say mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing

A quarter of Scots never take time to look after their mental health, despite nine in ten saying it is just as important as physical wellbeing.

The figures were revealed on World Mental Health Day as a charity encouraged people in Scotland to mark the occasion by speaking to friends and family, reading a book, listening to or playing music, or doing physical exercise.

According to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), these are the most popular ways to improve mental health.

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and it’s important that we look after it

Jo Anderson, the charity’s director of external affairs, said: “We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and it’s important that we look after it.

“This week we want to get people thinking about their own mental health and the kind of things that improve it.

“Throughout the week we’ll be highlighting ideas and inspiration, and hope that people will get involved and share their own experiences.”

SAMH will be sharing people’s experiences and tips via its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

The charity’s guide, Five Ways to Better Mental Health, is available on its website.

World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health.

This year's theme is “Dignity in Mental Health-Psychological & Mental Health First Aid for All”, which organisers say aims to tackle the stigma, isolation and discrimination that people with mental health conditions can face.

Support in Mind Scotland (SIMS) has marked the occasion by naming four new ambassadors, including rugby great Scott Hastings and 2016 Miss Scotland finalist Nicole Ross.

Hastings, who won 65 caps for Scotland and also represented the British and Irish Lions, is a passionate supporter of the national charity along with his wife Jenny, who has also accepted one of the four positions.

SIMS board member and mental health campaigner Dane Thomson completes the quartet.

Scott Hastings said he and Jenny were “delighted” to become ambassadors for the charity.

He said: “We hope that we can continue to raise the profile of mental health; to challenge the stigma around this condition and to provide valuable support to those that suffer from mental health problems or mental illness and the serious impact that it has on their life and on the lives of others, including family members, friends and supporters.”

Frances Simpson, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Our organisation is privileged to recruit our first four ambassadors who are willing to give not just time but also so much of themselves to raise awareness and to work with us to improve people's lives.

“Each person brings a very personal perspective to this role, but what they have in common is enormous passion for supporting people who experience mental ill-health and their families.”

Action on Smoking and Health Scotland (ASH) is marking World Mental Health Day by calling for action on an issue which they say leads to the early deaths of thousands of people with mental issues every year in Scotland alone.

The charity said smoking rates are significantly higher amongst people with mental health issues, who smoke to try to cope with symptoms from stress and anxiety through to boredom.

Smoking is the single largest factor in this group dying 10-20 years earlier than the general population, according to the charity.

Chief executive Sheila Duffy said: “Too many people still think of a cigarette as something to turn to in time of need, rather than as an addiction or habit that places an additional burden on this already disadvantaged group.

“People with mental health issues are just as motivated to stop smoking as anyone else, yet smoking rates in this group are not declining as they are across the population. To support people in their recovery the links between smoking and mental health can no longer be neglected and must instead be properly and consistently addressed.”

ASH Scotland is now calling for the upcoming national mental health strategy to clearly state that support to stop smoking should be an integral part of mental health support services.