An emergency call handler has spoken about how his own mental health experience has helped to save lives over the phone.
Thomas Valentine, from Falkirk, works for the Scottish Ambulance Service and was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) at the age of 19.
The 21-year-old answers 999 calls in the Ambulance Control Centre and is often the first point of contact for patients who are having a mental health crisis.
He's able to listen, asses and support through is own experiences.
Speaking to Falkirk Live, Thomas said: "You don’t have to be an expert to speak about mental health, just asking someone if they are okay can be a powerful thing.
"In my role as an emergency call handler, I can help to have an impact. I am often the first point of contact for patients who are having a mental health crisis.
"I can often deal with multiple incidents that are mental health related on each shift I work. It really is an eye opener.
"Mental health is a difficult subject for many to talk about and it’s important that those accessing mental health care feel that they are able to seek help and this is where I feel my personal experience comes in.
"I can relate to how people in crisis are feeling and I appreciate how important it is that they are listened to and cared for.
"In recent months I have dealt with a number of mental health related calls where patients having been thinking of ending their own lives.
"By acknowledging that this was the way they were feeling at that time, listening to them, showing compassion, empathy and supporting them, I was able to keep them safe until my colleagues arrived on scene.
"A number of patients have been so appreciative of my approach with them and that is what really matters."
Last year, Thomas opened up to his colleagues and the wider world on his BPD battle by taking to social media to discuss his mental health.
He now uses Twitter to keep his followers updated on how he is doing and also to relay positive messages to people who might be struggling to speak out by promoting ways in which they can seek support.
He added: "People often ask me how I manage in my role while living with a mental illness. All types of calls have the ability to impact me and sometimes mental health related ones do that more than others.
"If I feel like an incident has affected me, I often take time away to reflect and speak with someone about it, my colleagues and managers on my team are a great support."
Thomas also explained that the sense of personal satisfaction he gets from helping others in his role can often help to lift his own mood and give him a sense of purpose.
He said: "I give it my all in my job and on these types of calls. That tends to get me through - surprisingly my job is what keeps me alive today. It gives me a sense of purpose in life. "
Thomas has also recently become a volunteer with See Me Scotland - Scotland's national programme to ending mental health stigma and discrimination.
He added: "I don’t want others going through it alone and I'll continue to campaign around suicide prevention.
"I'm committed to ending mental health stigma and discrimination in and out of the workplace as well as continuing to provide an empathetic and compassionate approach to my patients and others in a mental health crisis."
If you're struggling with your own mental health you can call the Samaritans any time, day or night on 116 123.
