A mental health charity chief has praised the council leader for bravely sharing his story and hopes it will encourage others to seek help.
Toni Giugliano, policy manager at Mental Health Foundation, spoke out after Jonathan McColl gave a full and frank interview to the Lennox Herald last month.
He described the West Dunbartonshire Council leader’s story as “inspirational”.
Jonathan, from Balloch, told how he tried to take his own life twice after silently battling for decades.
He was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder seven years ago after a worried friend contacted his family and raised the alarm.
The 37-year-old hopes sharing his experience will give others the confidence to come forward, as well as help people spot warning signs in those around them.
It came as we launched a series of features alongside the Mental Health Foundation in a bid to smash the stigma surrounding these conditions.
Speaking this week, Toni, said: “Councillor McColl’s story is inspirational and hopefully it will encourage others to come forward for help.
“The truth is that mental health stigma is still heavily present in our society, especially among men and in our workplaces.
“Our research has found that around 40 percent of employees would rather not disclose a mental health problem for fear it would limit their job prospects or impact their job security.
“That’s why we need more bosses and CEOs at the very top to share their personal experiences and take steps to create the kind of environments where people can feel supported and thrive.”
Jonathan told us in December how his struggles with his mental health began as a teenager, when he first tried to commit suicide.
He said: “I had been having these mood swings and mostly felt in a depressive state.
“Even when things had been going well in my life, I would still feel like that. It’s almost like an artificial feeling.”
Jonathan struggled on through his teenage years and after stepping up as leader of the opposition in 2012, he tried to take his life a second time.
Help arrived after fellow SNP councillor Gail Robertson grew concerned and raised her worries with his family.
He finally went on to receive his diagnosis, which he described as “sheer relief” and now manages his condition.
Jonathan said: “I still feel it all the time and I think it’s something I’ll always have. If I can sit as leader of a council and talk openly about it, saying ‘yes, I have a long-term mental health issue’, then others can too.”
Residents and politicians also praised the leader for sharing his story on social media.
Alison Campbell said: “Thanks Jonathan McColl for having the courage to share your story.”
Glasgow councillor Allan Casey tweeted: “Very brave Jonathan.” And East Ayrshire councillor Elena Whitman tweeted: “Proud of your honesty Jonathan. Speaking out about personal matters is very scary but very liberating and hopefully it can help others.”
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