LAUREN Willis has shown immense courage by publicly talking about her father's suicide, following a mental health battle that he clearly felt he could not discuss.

Sadly, so many people feel they cannot open up about their mental health issues – particularly men, the evidence shows – which is why we must repeatedly reinforce the message that there's no shame in struggling and seeking help.

Whether it's macho culture or a fear of being labelled crazy, there is still a huge stigma around mental health and the only way that will change is by more and more people who are affected, such as Lauren, taking that brave step of speaking out.

It sounds so simple but obviously it's not, and until mental health conditions are seen in the same way as physical injuries and illnesses, the stigma will remain.

Our NHS in the county offers a range of support for mental health, and not just in clinical ways – they offer involvement in all kinds of groups, such as sport and community clubs, which help people to feel less isolated and trapped inside their own head.