Holly McCormack
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EDITORIAL
ental Health is slowly but surely becoming less taboo in society. Thanks to many initiatives including the‘ See me campaign’ and’ Choose Life.’ I think that it’ s great that the Scottish Governernment are committed to reducing stigma towards mental illness and also to reduce the amount of suicide in Scotland.
It’ s not just the Government though who have been making strides in this area, a lot of credit needs to also go to the mental health charities like SAMH and Pnenumbra who are giving back across a variety of services from crisis support to working with addictions.
Let’ s talk recovery
for contributors for the next edition of this magazine, and I hope‘ mental matters’ can grow.
I can only do so much myself but this is only the start of an exciting journey. Please send any feedback or suggestions for the next edition to random _ hollz @ hotmail. com
The Scottish people are renowned for being story-tellers. In this magazine, I want to share the stories that recovery is possible, recovery will happen and highlight it’ s important to share our stories.
Of course, there is still a long way to go and I’ m hoping that with the launch of this magazine: we can as a nation collectively do our own bit to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
Nobody chooses to be physically ill and likewise mental illness is no different. I’ m looking
At my lowest point, I thought I’ d never get better, but with a little bit of hope- I do believe again.
Holly McCormack
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WHAT IS SCOTLAND’ S MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Independent trainer Amanda O�Connell talks about her career change
CONTENTS
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8
10
11
RECOVERY FEATURE
Beth Burgess talks of hope and recovery from alcoholism and BPD
A SOCIAL NETWORK
Is social media a help or a hinderance towards our mental health?
MENTAL HEALTH NEWS / LETTER TO THE EDITOR
News from across Scotland / Comment from the readers
REVIEW
A look back at Taking Over the Asylum