A COUNCILLOR who battled suicidal thoughts has called for a city-wide plan to tackle the 'crisis' of poor mental health amongst men.

Michael Cullen is urging Glasgow City Council to work with partner organisations to develop a city-wide plan to encourage men living with depression and other mental health conditions to get help.

Men are three times more likely than women to take their own life as a result of these issues.

Mr Cullen fought depression for a year-and-a-half and came close to suicide in 2015.

This year he walked from Kirkintilloch to Yoker Community to raise money for mental health charity Brothers in Arms and will continue make this an annual tradition.

Mr Cullen said: “We are in a crisis. Mental health problems are the biggest killer of men under 40. I nearly took my own life in 2015 and if it hadn’t been for my family I wouldn’t be here.

“I want the council to adopt a strategy, working with partner organisations including the police, universities and council officers, to help men living with depression.

“At the next full council meeting, I will be bringing several mental health charities including GAMH, Brothers in Arms and the Mental Health Foundation to speak to members about the problems we face.

“We are in the run up to Christmas which is the busiest time of year, but it can also be quite stressful.

“Elected members sometimes forget about themselves and their own state of mind because they are trying to help others.”

Last year Glasgow City Council decided to join the See Me campaign in a bid to end discrimination and stigma towards mental health conditions.

Mr Cullen continued: “I would like to see a mental health strategy for the city. "There are three “faces” people adopt.

“A “face” for your friends, a “face” for your work and your “real face” when you are alone.

“This programme of help is in the early stages but I think everyone should be able to have their say on how it should be developed.

“Everyone will have their own experience and view on what should happen. We need to listen to the third sector and those who live with a mental health condition.

“People in the city want change and we want to champion that.”

The Garscadden/Scotstounhill councillor wants to set up a short life working group with partner organisations to set up his strategy and help those in need.

He hopes this will be in place within the next 12 months.