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The mental health crisis facing Scotland
Psychological and medical care for those who need it is in turmoil – we have seen the solution, but not the resolve to take it, writes NEIL FINDLAY MSP

IN THE 16 years since I was elected, first as a councillor then MSP for the Lothian region, I have seen a steady and consistent growth in the numbers of people seeking help at my surgeries for mental health problems — and the nature of their problems appear to be ever more acute.

I am not a clinician, but you cannot help but observe reality when it is staring you directly in the face. I regularly see or hear from people doing their very best to keep their heads above water and their families together.

Some are in desperate need of help and don’t know where to turn — or have tried to get help but find it just isn’t there.

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