News
x
Lowenna Waters
1539084600

Picture:
FatCamera / iStock Getty
It's a well known cliche, but people often don't believe that mental health issues are real, because they can't be seen as easily as, say, a broken leg or a cut on the skin.
However, just because someone's pain can't be seen with the eyes, doesn't mean it doesn't exist, or they're being self indulgent, or even that they're just moaning.
In recent years, the general perception of mental health has, mercifully, improved.
More and more high profile people have come out to say that they, too, have struggled. Celebrities including Prince Harry, Stephen Fry, and ex-Spice Girl Melanie C have all disclosed that they've suffered from anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Their openness helps to break down stigma, and also assists others in coming forward and seek the help and support that they deserve if they're struggling.
However, sadly, some people still hold a backward, 'buck up' approach to mental health.
This author, Reno Omokri, exhibited his ignorance in an offensive tweet. Taking to the social networking site, he wrote:
Are you depressed? Ask yourself these questions: * Do you have a home? * Do you have food? * Are you healthy? * Do… https://t.co/u33JDjjjYA— Reno Omokri (@Reno Omokri) 1537778980
Needless to say, others were quick to call him out.
Some said they were simply 'unhelpful' to those struggling.
@renoomokri @renoomokri Honestly, tweets like this isn't helpful to people who are depressed.— Justice Gilbert Jr. (@Justice Gilbert Jr.) 1537811302
Another shot the questions right back at him.
@renoomokri ask yourself these questions: * does your brain reuptake serotonin at a normal and consistent rate *… https://t.co/yuuZhhb9K0— Goth Ms. Frizzle (@Goth Ms. Frizzle) 1538338084
It was also highlighted how insulting the tweet was.
@renoomokri Ah yes, because people who are depressed have clearly never considered any of this and don't often feel… https://t.co/Y32LXfsBny— Caraid (@Caraid) 1538342751
Depression 'is not material dependent'.
It is also a serious medical condition.
And a mental illness.
@renoomokri to anyone who has the misfortune to read this tweet: don’t worry! it’s nonsense! you can’t cure depress… https://t.co/MAsCekG51a— Beth McColl (@Beth McColl) 1538401646
It's a neurotransmitter imbalance.
@renoomokri THE REASON I HAVE TO BE DEPRESSED IS A NEUROTRANSMITTER IMBALANCE YOU ABSOLUTE SHIT-STAINED TOILET BOWL OF A PERSON— Kyle 🌱 (@Kyle 🌱) 1538432482
And, stances like this simply engrain stigma.
@renoomokri The assumption that depression is a choice is what makes mental illness stigma flourish. My brain is si… https://t.co/ujBGHwYLJw— Natalie Harris (@Natalie Harris) 1538438079
Another summed it up.
@renoomokri You may as well have tweeted “I have a very limited understanding of mental health,” because that’s the… https://t.co/SlGiE4Ohxw— Mae ☮ (@Mae ☮) 1538416512
This isn't the first time that Omkori has aired questionable views on Twitter. In February this year, Pulse.ng reports that Omkori took to his account to argue that women should reserve their bodies for their husbands only.
In an extremely offensive tweet, he wrote:
Dear women
When men have sex with you,they deposit some of their personality in you through their discharge. Having multiple men discharge into you negatively affects your psyche and personality. God designed women to be recipients of only their husband’s discharge #RenosNuggets
Dear women When men have sex with you,they deposit some of their personality in you through their discharge. Havin… https://t.co/HTH4rl90sg— Reno Omokri (@Reno Omokri) 1518412059
The tweet quite rightly garnered a huge backlash, with people calling out its blatant sexism, as well as its dubious rooting in scientific fact.
At this rate, we'd suggest that you avoid #RenosNuggets like the plague.
Keep reading...Show less
Top 100
The Conversation (0)