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Lowenna Waters
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It's World Mental Health Day, which is a chance to smash stigma around mental health issues, talk openly about what you're going through, and offer support to those who may be struggling.
So, obviously, Piers Morgan decided to take the opportunity to offer possibly the most offensive and tone deaf 'take' that there is.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote:
I think it’s time to change the language on ‘mental health’. Let’s start using the phrase ‘mental strength’, and teach our kids the power of resilience.
I think it’s time to change the language on ‘mental health’. Let’s start using the phrase ‘mental strength’, and te… https://t.co/Ms2AorZPBh— Piers Morgan (@Piers Morgan) 1539151057
There are so many problems with this, we just don't know where to begin. According to the Mental Health Foundation, the very best first step to take when tackling a mental health issue for friends or loved ones is simply to talk about it:
Talking to someone is often the first step to take when you know they are going through a hard time. This way you can find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help.
Suggesting that people should simply 'buck up', become more 'resilient', or even simply display 'mental strength' is the opposite to this supportive, open approach that is suggested by professionals working within the field. People who are struggling need their loved ones' support, not their aggression.
Unsurprisingly, people began ripping into the tone deaf and regressive stance that suggests that you can just 'snap out' of mental health issues.
Some highlighted that he's suggesting if someone struggles, they're showing 'mental weakness'.
@piersmorgan So if they continue to struggle - they're showing 'mental weakness'? Question - do you actually unders… https://t.co/fZy0NCGieO— Occasionalcommentor (@Occasionalcommentor) 1539151494
Others had to say, yet again, that you wouldn't say 'buck up' to someone suffering from cancer.
@frankscottish @GaryNicholson74 @piersmorgan Let's just leave it as mental health. Just as we have physical health.… https://t.co/5ZVMvTWpI0— Sandra Martin 💙 (@Sandra Martin 💙) 1539159441
Mental health problems are not a choice!
@piersmorgan @susannareid100 Yes, why not alienate those suffering with mental health issues by implying that they… https://t.co/K946ykXMpN— Gail Osborne 😷 💙 (@Gail Osborne 😷 💙) 1539153071
People with mental health issues aren't 'weak'!
@piersmorgan @susannareid100 Your use of strength there is part of the problem. People with mental health issues ar… https://t.co/rDpuZ3j328— Jackie Daytona (@Jackie Daytona) 1539151604
This kind of attitude is dangerous.
@piersmorgan @susannareid100 Your use of strength there is part of the problem. People with mental health issues ar… https://t.co/rDpuZ3j328— Jackie Daytona (@Jackie Daytona) 1539151604
It's also outdated.
What people with mental health issues need is support.
@piersmorgan @susannareid100 You agree? https://t.co/unB3VC8rtK— Graeme Bandeira (@Graeme Bandeira) 1539151421
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