A LARGS health and wellbeing practitioner says the coronavirus lockdown can help end the stigma around mental health.

Catherine Brannan told the News the pandemic can be turned into a positive - if it can help encourage people to open up about their problems.

She said: “Lockdown has been difficult for people’s physical, mental and spiritual health as we deal with an unprecedented and challenging time.

“How wonderful it would be if this time can be used to break down the barriers, dissolve the stigma and encourage people to put one foot forward and say they need support."

Catherine is the founder of YES – Your Entire Self, which teaches how positive life changes can be made through mindfulness and connection with nature.

She holds private and corporate retreats in Largs and says there are a number of positive aspects of the lockdown which can improve mental health.

She said: “Families are spending more time together as a unit, fathers in particular are spending more time with their children, children are being nourished by increased family interaction.

“Through increased community interaction, neighbours are talking more, strangers are supporting more, volunteers are increasing their transferable skills.

“Overall, lockdown has given people more time to re-evaluate their life, re-evaluate their priorities and re-evaluate their future plans.

“They just may be realising that they are more resilient than they ever thought.”

Catherine believes there has long been a thought that having poor mental health is a sign of weakness but has stressed that remaining silent and not seeking help is not the answer.

She said: “It takes courage to be honest and open about your mental health, especially in Scotland and particularly for men.

“Understanding that mental health is not a weakness and will touch most people at some stage in their life will go a long way."

Catherine has some advice for people who are struggling during lockdown.

She said: “My advice is to separate the worry into what is outwith your control so you can let go of that in order to give more energy and time to what is within your control.

“This is a good time to focus on your own self-care so look within, know that the bad times will pass then make a choice to take a small step in the right direction towards you feeling better, irrespective of how small.

“My personal favourite is to go out for a walk or sit in nature, even if it’s only for ten minutes.”

During lockdown, Catherine is offering free one-to-one phone sessions with people who need a friendly voice.

Her aim is to provide support to those who need it, as well as point them towards any support that may be available.

Catherine says that mindful living and connection with nature has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health, and that Scotland and Ayrshire should embrace this.

She said: “There is so much scientific evidence now which supports the real-life benefits of mindful living from reducing anxiety to increasing happiness.

“Nature connection is fast behind it as scientific evidence shows from reduced depression to hastening wellbeing recovery.

“Japan and Finland in particular have invested millions of pounds on developing their nature spots for wellbeing and with Scotland having such outstanding natural resources, we can open up to the free physical, mental and spiritual benefits which surround us, particularly within Ayrshire.

“All it needs is to take the first step.”

More information and details about Catherine’s phone sessions can be found at www.facebook.com/YESyourentireself.