THE number of work days lost in East Ayrshire due to mental health issues is "an extreme concern", according to one Cumnock resident who has experienced similar struggles in recent times.

The individual, who wanted to remain anonymous, spoke to the Chronicle after statistics released to the Scottish Lib Dems through freedom of information requests revealed how many work days had been lost in Scotland by people struggling with their mental health.

The stats covered days taken by council employees, including teachers, support staff and nursery staff between April 2021 and October last year.

It also covered a section of the 2022/23 period, up until the beginning of January.

Stats show that 2,446 days were taken in East Ayrshire as a result of mental health issues in 2021/22. 

On top of that, 1,276 days have apparently already been taken in East Ayrshire for the detailed period of 2022/23.

The individual who spoke to the Chronicle has been one of these people who has had to leave their workplace due to their issues, with him describing these statistics as "terrifying".

READ MORE: Netherthird's mental health support centre is officially opened

He said: "I just couldn't do it at my work any more. I felt like I couldn't do anything right and when I was trying to go for help, all the excuses in the book seemed to come out.

"There's a lot of pressure on a lot of people, especially those working in the council.

"No wonder teachers are striking for better pay. I bet a lot of them are going through a tough time right now with their mental health.

"When you see statistics like that, it's absolutely terrifying to see so many people going through the same thing.

"Usually with something like that you might get a sense of comfort knowing you're not alone.

"I couldn't feel any less like that. There are loads of youngsters around here who have felt like there's no way out. It's an extreme concern.

"I still struggle a bit from time to time. But realising that work didn't have to consume my life and reaching out for help has certainly helped."

East Ayrshire Council said that the stats are a combination of everything that employees say is stress-related. 

This includes both personal and work issues.

They also say that employees are encouraged to take advantage of the support that is available to them.

A spokesperson said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that absence reports on mental health absences include all absences that employees state are stress-related and this includes both personal and work issues.

"The vast majority of days lost are due to personal issues, including depression, anxiety and bereavement and relate to a small percentage of the education workforce. The days lost, on the whole, are due to long-term sick leave.

"The health and wellbeing of our employees is of the utmost importance to the council and there are a wide range of wellbeing supports in place.

"Employees are encouraged to access services that may be of benefit to them including occupational health, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy."

If you are struggling, you can contact Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116 123.