Fearless First Minister

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland

Image credit, Jannis Lucas via Unsplash 

As part of our focus on mental health within next steps, Fearless Femme asked Nicola Sturgeon for insight into her attitude on change, particularly where it has intersected with her own mental health and identity, and to share wisdom on getting the balance of life to a healthy place. Scotland’s First Minister didn’t disappoint; you can read her thoughts here on work, study and life balance… 

“Mental health issues can affect any one of us at any stage. At moments of big change in our life, it’s perfectly natural to have worries and anxieties about what will come next; starting university, college or a new job are good examples of this type of change and while opportunities are exciting, adapting to a new life, surrounded by new people, can also create a lot of uncertainty.

It’s all-too-easy for such worries and stresses to seriously affect your overall wellbeing – particularly if you’re also a young adult, carving out your own identity and place in the world. With the benefit of my student years being a few years behind me (just a few years, mind!), one thing I’ve learned – and I know it’s easy to say this when you’re not the one doing the worrying – is that things really are never as bad as they seem. If you’re feeling uncertain, you’re definitely not the only one to have such feelings and it helps to talk about our worries with others.”

“Recent years have seen a heightened awareness of mental health in society, and that’s to be welcomed. As First Minister, I’m particularly pleased young people are playing a key part in considering how we improve our mental health, not least through projects like Fearless Femme and See Me, both of whom are doing so much in the movement to end stigma. Over the last few months people aged 12 – 26 have been putting forward their views on mental health issues to the Scottish Government, helping to shape a campaign coinciding with The Year of Young People; this is a fantastic opportunity and we want it to be the biggest conversation young people in Scotland have ever had about what mental health means to them.

On an individual basis, I’ve learned the importance of developing my ways of dealing with stress. Anyone who follows me on Twitter will know I’m an avid reader; picking up a book is definitely one way I switch off from the stress of the day. Reading even just a few pages helps me clear my mind, wind down and immerse myself in different worlds. I’m also trying to be more active. Like many people reading this, I don’t always find it easy to find the time to exercise – but a walk’s a great way not just to keep fit but to get some fresh air and put my thoughts in order.”

“So, if you’re reading this as someone about to embark on a new chapter, I congratulate you for having the courage to do so.”

“So, if you’re reading this as someone about to embark on a new chapter, I congratulate you for having the courage to do so. And as you do, please remember there are a lot of people around you who want to support you and see you succeed. As you settle into new routines remember to set aside time not just to focus on your studies, your new friends or your new social life, but to focus on yourself and what makes you happy too.”