Caron Lindsay

Young Lib Dem Councillor Ben Lawrie talks about his experience of Depression

By | Sat 7th April 2018 - 11:55 am

I feel incredibly proud to know Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor Ben Lawrie who has talked about his experience of Depression in this short film. It takes courage to talk so openly about something so personal. Doing so helps others immeasurably.

You should be aware before you watch it that it includes his description of an attempt to take his life.

He wants to share his experience to help others going through it, which I think it will. When I was growing up experiencing the sorts of things Ben went through, it would have been useful to know that I wasn’t alone and that this was an illness not some defect in my character.

It’s also great that his friends and family share how this all was for them.

His openness drew praise from Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie who, last weekend, ran 117 miles in 3 days to raise money for a Scottish mental health charity. It’s not too late to donate to his effort.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social

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One Comment

  • Helen Dudden 8th Apr '18 - 10:29am

    This subject is receiving more understanding in situations that can cause issue’s like self harm and eating disorders. It can be an unresolved event in childhood, the loss of a parent either through divorce or relationship breakdown. Also, a broken relationship or miscarriage.
    Whatever the reason, help must be in place with medication, counselling or any form of professional support. Everyone is different.
    I wish Ben well.

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