THE Advertiser has launched a campaign to highlight the ongoing issue of mental illhealth in our community; to promote greater understanding of those conditions; and to help the public identify the signs of mental health issues, both in themselves and those around them.

In recent years, there has been a swelling appreciation of just how many people are affected by depression, anxiety, stress, as well as a wide range of crippling social disorders – but even then, the public’s perception is often marred by old stigmas and negative attitudes.

We do not ask someone with a physical sickness to come to work, yet our attitude to someone who cannot get out of bed due to a mental health condition is much different.

It is evident that many people in our communities still refuse to recognise mental health problems as a genuine issue.

A recent independent study, carried out by the Willis PMI health group, found that 20 per cent of Scottish employees were sceptical about colleagues who take time off as a result of conditions such as depression, stress or anxiety.

The research, which involved a survey of 1,388 workers, also found that 15 per cent still do not believe stress is a genuine mental health condition.

This finding is even more incredible as the study revealed that a third of workers claim to have suffered from mental health problems at some point themselves.

Its impact on youth is also becoming more apparent, with teenage girls in Scotland said to be the most stressed in Europe, according to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey.

Treatment for those youngsters affected is also a major issue.

The majority of health boards are failing to achieve the 18- week waiting time for providing children and young people with access to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Many have argued for mental health problems to be treated the same as any other physical medical condition; however, it may not be as simple as that.

Though funding may be increased to help in this regard, the very nature of mental health issues means it is much more difficult for people to realise they are affected, and harder for professionals to diagnose.

Additionally, it has been said that mental ill-health can affect as many 25 per cent of people, suggesting it is much more prevalent than physical ailments.

Over the next few months, the Advertiser hopes to foster a greater public appreciation for those struggling with mental health problems, while tackling negative stereotypes and attitudes.

Anyone who is affected by mental ill-health, and who would like to share their story with our readers, can get in touch by calling 01259 214 416 or emailing editorial@alloaadvertiser.co.uk