This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme focusing on community feels incredibly relevant. It’s a chance to really think about the people around us – our friends, family, neighbours, colleagues – and how much those connections mean for our, and their, mental wellbeing.

If you’ve faced mental health challenges, you are absolutely not alone – I know how it feels myself. It’s been a journey for me, and understanding how to navigate those ups and downs makes something like Mental Health Awareness Week feel very personal, not just political.

Getting through challenging times often came down to knowing I wasn’t on my own. Whether it was being able to talk things through with a friend, getting a helping hand from a colleague, or accessing professional support – which is its own kind of community – those connections made a real difference. They helped, and still help, me to build resilience and continue to grow around my depression and anxiety.

That’s why, as the MSP for the Highlands and Islands, mental health is such a priority for me. We live in a region often painted as the happiest place to live, a beautiful escape for Central Belters on holiday. And yes, it can be that, our landscapes are stunning, and our communities are usually incredibly welcoming to visitors. But when you actually live here, day in, day out, it can sometimes feel very lonely, particularly if you’re more rural. There can be a feeling of being under the microscope in smaller communities, or a pressure to live up to that “happy place” image, which just makes you feel even worse if you’re struggling – like you’re somehow failing at living here. Sadly, the reality behind the postcard picture is starker; this region, tragically, has some of the highest suicide rates in the UK.

When I hear from constituents across our vast region who are struggling, I understand some of the difficulties they face, including the isolation. This underscores why the Scottish Government’s commitment – the SNP is dedicated to increasing investment in mental health services, with a really important focus on community-based support and early intervention – is so important here. My own experience, and hearing from people facing their own unique challenges, fuels my determination to push for that investment to reach the places and people who need it most, ensuring better mental health care for everyone in Scotland.

The power of community is something we see every single day across the Highlands and Islands. Our local areas, from quiet villages surrounded by hills to island communities and bustling towns, are often the bedrock – folks looking out for each other, neighbours stepping in, volunteers keeping vital services going. This isn’t just about being friendly; it’s fundamental to how we support each other’s wellbeing, especially in the face of challenges. This week is a reminder to celebrate and nurture that, and to recognise that investing in these local, community-led approaches is a vital part of the SNP’s mental health strategy.

Unfortunately, that stubborn stigma around mental health is still there. It makes it hard for people to open up, and I get that – I’ve felt that hesitation myself. But the more we share, listen, and are just there for each other within our communities, the more we break down that fear.

So, this week, let’s really lean into the theme of community. Take a moment to check in on someone – a quick text, a phone call, or if you can, stopping for a blether. Ask how they’re really doing, and genuinely listen to the answer. From my own experience, that simple act of connection can mean the world.

And please, please: remember to look after yourself, too. Being part of a community doesn’t just mean stepping up to help others, it also means letting your community support you when you need it – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s joining a local group, spending time with people who lift you up, or reaching out for professional help, connecting is key. Asking for help is never a weakness; it’s connecting to a community of support that’s there for you, and you can be there right back.

There are resources available – NHS Inform, SAMH, and brilliant local organisations like Centred doing fantastic work right here in our communities. Connecting with them is a brave step, and it’s a step into a supportive community. Supporting these vital local services is exactly why the Scottish Government is prioritising investment in community mental health.

This Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that while our mental health journey is personal, we absolutely don’t have to go on it alone. Our communities, here in the Highlands and Islands and beyond, are vital, perhaps even more so given the unique pressures of living here. Let’s use this week, and every week, to strengthen those bonds, look out for each other with kindness and understanding, and build communities where everyone, regardless of their struggles, feels seen, supported, and knows support is within reach.