Lanarkshire Breathing Space is encouraging locals to embrace a little Epictetus in 2016.

The Greek philosopher said: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

He was reminding us all that you learn more through listening than talking.

With 2016 being declared Scotland’s Year of Listening, Breathing Space is also reminding us that listening and being listened to is good for your mental health.

Kevin O’Neill, NHS Lanarkshire public mental health and well-being development manager, said: “Relationships and friendships where we feel listened to can have a huge positive impact on our sense of wellbeing.

“Being listened to helps us feel connected, contributing to improved feelings of self-worth, self-confidence and happiness.

“We all like to think we are good listeners but we want people to ask themselves if they are really listening and if they could be a better listener.”

As well as promoting listening, Breathing Space also wants to remind people to take care of their own mental health by finding some space from the stresses of life.

Kevin continued: “If we wait for this time, we often find it never comes which is why we have to make our own breathing space.

“Think about how you can give yourself some breathing space over the course of this year and indeed build breathing space into your life.”

Breathing Space is Scotland’s national telephone service for anyone feeling low, anxious or stressed. For more call 0800 83 85 87 or visit: www.breathingspace.scot

For more on Year of Listening go to: http://breathingspace.scot/news/2015/year-of-listening-2016/ or pledge support at: http://breathingspace.scot/news/2015/yol-2016-pledge-board/

For more on the supports and help in Lanarkshire visit: www.elament.org.uk

You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (24hrs) or visit: www.samaritans.org