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 plans to use Breathing Space Day on February 1, to remind us all 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.

“We’d also encourage individuals and organisations to show their support for the year of listening by signing the pledge on the Breathing Space website.”

The annual 1 February Breathing Space Day is generally used to promote the Breathing Space service and encourage people to take some time out to do something positive for their mental wellbeing.

Kevin continued: “As well as promoting listening, we also want people to use this day to think about taking care of their own mental health by finding some space from the stresses of life.

“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 could do something on Breathing Space Day, but also think about how you can give yourself some breathing space over the course of February 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 Scotland’s year of listening campaign go to: http://breathingspace.scot/news/2015/year-of-listening-2016/

You can also pledge support for the year of listening campaign at: http://breathingspace.scot/news/2015/yol-2016-pledge-board/

To find out about the supports and help available in Lanarkshire visit: www.elament.org.uk

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

Pictured above: Kevin O’Neill, (centre) with assistant health promotion managers Elspeth Russell (left) and Gillian Lindsay.