Wee Pink Dot
When you live with mental illness, it can feel like the world slowly disappears around you.
Too often opportunities shrink, support becomes harder to access, colleagues and loved ones step back, and people hide parts of themselves to avoid judgement. At home, at work, in public services (sometimes including heathcare), out and about, and even in law and policy, stigma creates a quiet but powerful form of disappearance.
It makes people with mental illness feel less seen, less valued, and less connected at the very moment they need the opposite.
One thing that can make a big difference is connection: having people show up, be there, and stay visible.
Our ambition is a Scotland that doesn't hide from mental health problems. If you believe in a Scotland that shows up, join our campaign.
#WeePinkDot
How to take part in the Wee Pink Dot challenge
1. Grab something pink - a pink pen, lipgloss, highlighter or anything you can find!
2. Draw a Wee Pink Dot on your hand - use this as a symbol and reminder to Show Up for people you can be there for
3. Take a video or photo of your Wee Pink Dot - explain why you're taking part in the campaign
4. Upload it on your socials - tag SAMHScotland and use #WeePinkDot. Nominate three friends to take part next!
If you don't have social media, send us your video on campaigns@samh.org.uk instead.
What is the Wee Pink Dot?
The Wee Pink Dot is part of our anti-stigma and discrimination campaign, Show Up.
Stigma remains one of the most damaging forces affecting people with mental illness in Scotland. Even as conversations around mental health and wellbeing have become more mainstream, the reality for those living with mental illness has not changed nearly enough.
Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings, it shapes lives. It limits opportunities, delays access to support and treatment, reduces confidence and restricts rights.
We are campaigning to ensure that everyone with mental health problems is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Why a Wee Pink Dot?
The Wee Pink Dot starts conversation, demands attention and encourages connection.
It's symbolic. For us at SAMH, it’s been around for a while as an icon in our branding.
But now we’re shining a light on it, as our symbol for tackling stigma and discrimination around mental health.
Each Wee Pink Dot is unique. It’s imperfect. Rough around the edges. Human.
Just like our mental health journeys.
The Wee Pink Dot is a reminder to show up and stay visible.
Get a pen
Get a Wee Pink Dot pen
About our video
Find out about our video supporters
Pledge your support
Take our pledge for mental illness
Show Up
How to Show Up for someone who is living with mental illness
Stigma and discrimination
Learn more about mental health stigma and discrimination
Learn about mental illness
Find out more about mental health problems and mental illness
We'd love it if you would be able to support our campaign with a donation.
Thank you
We are grateful to Gavin at Dog Haus Creative, MadeBrave, Anna and Rhona at Republic of Media, Derek and Martin at Glasgow Science Centre, The Social Hub, AC Hotel, Adam Stewart and Victoria Halliday, Tash at City Print Glasgow, Brian at Create Pod, Cat Loots and our video participants’ agents for their support for this campaign.
If you need more information about the pen, you can see our webpage.
