WITH so many of us suffering mentally due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s annual ‘Time to Talk Day’ is perhaps even more crucial in the current climate.

Conversations about mental health will be happening nationwide today as part of the social movement organised by Time to Change to end the stigma surrounding speaking out about your problems and asking for help.

Back in July 2019, the Press launched our We Need To Talk campaign to raise awareness of mental health, combat the stigma surrounding it and to support the agencies and charities trying to help those in crisis. 

The campaign was runner-up in the 'Local/Weekly Campaign of the Year' category at the 2020 Scottish Press Awards and throughout it, we were able to share the stories of many West Fife families who had experienced difficulties with mental health and highlight the many West Fife organisations out there to help, such as Andy's Man Club.

The campaign hasn't stopped and, today, we pledge to use our platforms in a positive light, turning our social media channels into ‘good news’ zones to promote awareness of positive mental health and end the surrounding stigmas.

We want to make the effort to reverse platforms back to their intended purpose – places to share uplifting stories, reconnect with others and spread uplifting news.

Throughout today, the Press will cleanse Facebook, Twitter and Instagram of ‘negative news’ and instead share positive stories about local people doing well and overcoming struggle to find both hope and themselves again.

Social media is now too often used to spread hate, negativity and as a tool for trolling or bullying – and arguably during lockdown this seems to have only got worse – so we're only uploading content aimed at making people feel good about themselves and West Fife.

Press editor Simon Harris said: "The Press has been championing positive mental health in West Fife since 2019 and our We Need To Talk campaign was recognised by the media industry for its success in raising awareness.

"We wanted to to encourage people suffering their own struggles to reach out and talk, to share their stories and to realise they aren't alone.

"But the campaign won't end and Time To Talk Day today is another opportunity for us to help share the powerful message that in these difficult and unprecedented times, we are there for each other and no-one should feel along. We need to talk."

This year’s theme for Time to Talk Day is ‘the power of small’ and aims to serve as a reminder that one small conversation can make a big difference not only to those suffering; but in driving a change in attitudes to destigmatise mental health.

Statistically, one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

If the implications associated with the current Covid-19 pandemic are considered, inevitably this figure could rise.

Many of our sister titles across the UK are today also turning their social media channels into ‘good news’ zones to promote awareness of positive mental health and end the surrounding stigmas.

The initiative was the brainchild of reporter Amy Shearer and editor Brian Hossack of the company’s award-winning Scottish daily, the Greenock Telegraph.