Former Ross County FC star opens up on issue of suicide in role as Mikeysline ambassador and urges anyone struggling to seek help
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A MAN who became a household name in Ross-shire is calling on anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out to a respected local charity for help.
Former Ross County defender Scott Boyd made his remarks as an ambassador for Highland charity Mikeysline in a recorded message timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day last week.
The text and drop in service said: We are really grateful to have brilliant folks like our ambassador Scott Boyd using their voices in spreading this important message.In this short clip Scott Boyd tells us how he's been personally affected by suicide, both in his family and in football."
Mr Boyd tells how his wife's cousin committed suicide when he was younger and that a former team mate also succumbed "so it's something I have always been aware of".
He said that in football it's "something that's getting better now but when I started was almost something that you didn't talk about. It was just man up, get on with it, that kind of attitude".
He noted: "In the football industry there are so many ups and downs. You win, you lose. There are so many contracts. It's a challenge. Hopefully through being able to talk we can challenge that stigma around mental health. I think it's improving however there's still a long way to go.
"Men are not as good at talking about their emotions so hopefully with things like this we can get to people out there by reaching out to people bottling up what's going on in their lives and issues they might be having.
"I know from my own personal experience that I would speak or keep it to myself. I have a close family I can talk to but I wouldn't tell them that much so it's good to have a confidential line you can reach out and speak to somebody."
The charity promises non-judgemental support and a listening ear. It can be reached by text on 07779303303 or at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness. Appointments from 6.15pm -7.30pm and drop-in from 7.45pm - 9.45pm.
