Calls have been made for the Scottish Government to increase spending on the treatment of mental health issues.
Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone spoke after a Tayside man contacted The Courier over what he feels is a “big problem” for health boards.
Sean Meighan from Arbroath has sought a diagnosis from medical staff for more than two years, after he left his job due to mental health issues.
Other than having prescription antidepressants “thrown” at him, Mr Meighan claims he has never been suitably assessed and feels more ill than when he first went to a GP.
While it could not comment on individual cases, NHS Tayside said its mental health treatment times are within guidelines drawn up by the Scottish Government.
Mr Meighan said he had been told he was suffering from anxiety.
“I have been trying to get help and have been getting nowhere, and during that time my health has just been getting worse,” he said.
“If this was a physical problem I had, it would have been fixed a long time ago. There are just far too many people needing help.”
Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn, said mental health is “an absolute priority” for the Scottish Government.
“Nearly 12% of the NHS budget is directed to mental health promotion, early intervention and appropriate treatment for people with mental health problems,” he said.
“Despite a large increase in demand, waiting times for mental health treatments have come down significantly and we are determined to maintain that improvement.”
Mr Johnstone said of Mr Meighan’s decision to go public: “I am sure it was not an easy thing to do.
“While I welcome the additional funding for mental health services, it is clear that the Scottish Government is not even coming close to dealing with this complex issue.”