Mental Illness in the Media.

Lonesomerhodes · 04-02-2020 03:22PM #1

One thing I notice about a lot of the current stuff about mental illness is little of it applies to those with mental illness!.

I notice this with people who can be very smart not perhaps doing as well as they should in relation to another thread.

I wince when I see the likes of Bressie rattle on about his anxiety and depression and read about it in his new book, same goes for Vogue, Alison Canavan and any other number of simpleton celebrities wheeled out to discuss mental illness on Irish TV.

Frankly many with mental illness don't relate to these folk. I certainly don't.

It's like mental health awareness for the Instagram generation it's vacuous and doesn't engage real people who have mental illness.

The only celeb I have seen discuss mental health in a very real way was Tyson Fury especially his interview with Vladamir Klitschko for the rematch.

His head was gone he didn't care of himself or others and it was alarming to see, a man losing his mind and will to live, and depression can do that.

How many mention depression is linked with erratic behaviour and anger?. How many talk about being selfish during depression.
Depressed people can be unbelievably selfish can react very angrily.

Depression can be debilitating too

How many celebs say they pised into a bottle for several days as they were too depressed to get out of bed?.
Don't shave/shower?. Someone very depressed doesn't give a shiny shyte about their appearance.
I've had it and seen it when you just can't be arsed.

How many mention there are several types of depression?.

I certainly am not criticising depression (I have it probably always will).
I'm trying to create a greater understanding.

I'd like to see proper people like Robert Sapolsky speak of it on media and TV.

I have been erratic, angry, inpatient, aloof, mad, selfish when depressed and I know many many others have been.

How many D list celebs flogging a book on the Late Late mention this?.

My missus is a counsellor and told me before many people drink/drug drive can be very depressed. They simply stop caring about themselves and consequences and when people are suicidal they aren't concerned with their own life's they certainly aren't concerned about others but how often do we hear of this?.

If someone is mentally ill their behaviour is ill and they can be bizarre and unhinged.

I have met people who when manic can be terrifying.

It just seems the whole discussion doesn't go far enough. It's like a watered down 'lite' sanitary version we get told and never shows the true horrors of mental illness.

Whenever I see an angry person I think perhaps they are quite depressed.

As is said is psychology depression is anger turned inside out.

Being the cynic I am I would say many celebs using it to sell crappy books about themselves. Pure narcissism and certainly doesn't help depressed people looking at this 'Hollywood' version of mental illness.

Woke Hogan · 04-02-2020 03:25PM

"celebs, celebs, celebs"

They can't suffer from issues with their mental health because they wear make up and appear on television. Load of balderdash.

Raconteuse · 04-02-2020 03:27PM

A heartfelt and very in depth post OP.

I know what you mean - it's a sanitised look at it.

Jim Root · 04-02-2020 03:28PM

Woke Hogan wrote: »

"celebs, celebs, celebs"

They can't suffer from issues with their mental health because they wear make up and appear on television. Load of balderdash.

no, because they try and monetise it.

ToddDameron · 04-02-2020 03:30PM

We've made strides, but we are still afraid to confront the darker sides of mental illness. Much easier to call it "evil" and bury our heads in the sand.

Lonesomerhodes · 04-02-2020 04:56PM

Raconteuse wrote: »

A heartfelt and very in depth post OP.

I know what you mean - it's a sanitised look at it.

Well it's never described in the media in a visceral way you know.

Always oh I was down, read about it in my shiny new book. :pac:

The point I'm making is we are given just a sanitised version of mental health by the media.
Sugar coated if you will.

statto25 · 04-02-2020 05:00PM

I think the social media trend focuses on a healthy mind and to nip any issues at the start by encouraging talking and getting whatever is causing you pain/anxiety/worry (I could go on) off your chest before it manifests itself into depression. The traits you have described are all too familiar to me and its startling how similar they are to my own.
You have to dig deeper to find stories of the people whose depression or suicidal ideology has taken over their lives in every shape and form. However those stories are not glamorous and are certainly tough to read and appreciate for their severity therefore they remain as said above buried in the sand.

Lonesomerhodes · 04-02-2020 05:13PM

statto25 wrote: »

I think the social media trend focuses on a healthy mind and to nip any issues at the start by encouraging talking and getting whatever is causing you pain/anxiety/worry (I could go on) off your chest before it manifests itself into depression. The traits you have described are all too familiar to me and its startling how similar they are to my own.
You have to dig deeper to find stories of the people whose depression or suicidal ideology has taken over their lives in every shape and form. However those stories are not glamorous and are certainly tough to read and appreciate for their severity therefore they remain as said above buried in the sand.

Fair enough.

But I really do think if we heard dark, visceral stories of mental illness it would benefit people.

Tyson Fury is good in a way for this there is no 'sugar coating' so to speak.

Perhaps celebs and people in the media don't want to show how weak and vulnerable they can be but it would benefit folk for people to be brutally honest.

Instead the media gives us a kinda it's OK not to be OK, exercise, read my book sugary response.

I dare say 'trite' responses.

To someone climbing the walls with anxiety or depression this is off little benefit.

Lonesomerhodes · 04-02-2020 05:38PM

Woke Hogan wrote: »

"celebs, celebs, celebs"

They can't suffer from issues with their mental health because they wear make up and appear on television. Load of balderdash.

Those are your words not mine I didn't type that!.

My point being it's kinda 'glossed over' the whole mental health debate. It has a shiny PR spin when the reality is anything but.

If it was more gritty and real the talk of it and communication surrounding it I'm sure more can relate and open up.

Mental health is complex and keeping the debate trivial and soft benefits no one.

I'm sure many will judge me no end and think due to the abrupt nature of the OP but it's the way I am.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 04-02-2020 05:47PM

My concern is people expounding on the topic who aren’t qualified. Just because you have suffered from mental illness doesn’t make you an expert. I’ve suffered from severe clinical depression but I’m not equipped to help anyone else who has it.

statto25 · 04-02-2020 05:49PM

Lonesomerhodes wrote: »

Fair enough.

But I really do think if we heard dark, visceral stories of mental illness it would benefit people.

Tyson Fury is good in a way for this there is no 'sugar coating' so to speak.

Perhaps celebs and people in the media don't want to show how weak and vulnerable they can be but it would benefit folk for people to be brutally honest.

Instead the media gives us a kinda it's OK not to be OK, exercise, read my book sugary response.

I dare say 'trite' responses.

To someone climbing the walls with anxiety or depression this is off little benefit.

The honesty is there though people just need to look beyond the easily accessible social media avenues. However I think you may be right in saying that honesty from people in the spotlight as to what exactly they were going through and not the "I was in a dark place" narrative which I myself use when I feel I can't say exactly what I experienced and what others experienced around me would help people identify with depression. All the traits you described are ones that are not nice to encounter or deal with for the others in your life and those who don't understand label you as a horrible person or worse. Of course there are just cnuts out there too but often it's the depressed persons way of trying to be heard or protecting themselves from their perceived fear or anxiety. Some dont even know they are doing it and maybe even take on board the fact they are just horrible individuals.
What I'm trying to say I suppose is the nitty gritty of depression is where the solutions lie. If people can identify with those traits and characteristics then it would go a long way.

LirW · 04-02-2020 05:50PM

It might sound stupid but the Netflix show Bojack Horseman depicts mental health issues in a way that many people are able to relate. So many characters in it are messed up and have issues but portrayed in a way that hits home a lot more than some B-list celebrity talking on a talk show about it.

I don't want to play down anyone's mental health problems but I believe it makes a huge difference to have the means to get therapy or take care of yourself.
I struggle to relate to a Vogue Williams because she has enough money to see a good therapist, make the lifestyle changes to cope better with it and take a time-out from work and family to clear the head if it has to be. If you're trying to make ends meet and have people depending on you, you'll struggle to get the help you need quickly.
I'm glad it's talked about though so people see they aren't alone and alleviate the stigma around mental health issues.

statto25 · 04-02-2020 05:50PM

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

My concern is people expounding on the topic who aren’t qualified. Just because you have suffered from mental illness doesn’t make you an expert. I’ve suffered from severe clinical depression but I’m not equipped to help anyone else who has it.

No but you have a better understanding of what they are going through and in turn can offer a listening and experienced ear.

Lonesomerhodes · 04-02-2020 05:52PM

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

My concern is people expounding on the topic who aren’t qualified. Just because you have suffered from mental illness doesn’t make you an expert. I’ve suffered from severe clinical depression but I’m not equipped to help anyone else who has it.

Some might so you are equipped, the experience can benefit many as they can identify with you and knowing others have experienced the same in mental health is very important to those unwell.

It's why in addiction and 12 step movements listening to someone who's been there done that and wore the t shirt is very important to those trying to recover.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 04-02-2020 05:57PM

statto25 wrote: »

No but you have a better understanding of what they are going through and in turn can offer a listening and experienced ear.

This is different from what the OP is talking about. If a friend confides in me that they think they have mental health issues, that is great. That’s what we need to encourage. And then I’d be able to give them advice about who they should be contacting to get help. So confiding in people is very useful.

However, I have seen celebrities and influencers position themselves more as experts. With influencers, it’s more a cynical attempt to give themselves a unique selling point (shudder) but they are in no position to give help usually and they might actually exacerbate things.

statto25 · 04-02-2020 06:02PM

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

This is different from what the OP is talking about. If a friend confides in me that they think they have mental health issues, that is great. That’s what we need to encourage. And then I’d be able to give them advice about who they should be contacting to get help. So confiding in people is very useful.

However, I have seen celebrities and influencers position themselves more as experts. With influencers, it’s more a cynical attempt to give themselves a unique selling point (shudder) but they are in no position to give help usually and they might actually exacerbate things.

Sorry I was actually referring to the post I quoted from yourself when I was replying. Its true that just because you experienced something it doesnt make you an expert but it does mean you have encountered it in your own life and as such can provide a sympathetic and understanding ear compared to someone who hasn't experienced mental illness directly or indirectly

Oranage2 · 04-02-2020 06:12PM

Hard to really connect when celebrities talk about issues, we've seen it all before, what ever the flavor of the months is we have every C list celeb talking about how they suffered. #MeToo, alcoholism, domestic abuse, gambling etc.

All serious but we don't know which celebrities are just talking about to stay relevant.

Now mental health is the new in-topic. We see these attractive, rich, pampered celebrities saying they've depression, it's very hard to relate when you're overweight, jobless with no support.

Flutterby90 · 04-02-2020 08:27PM

I completely agree. Mental illness has unfortunately been a major element of my life. My mother suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and has done since I was a child. She attempted suicide numerous times thankfully survived them all. Drove drunk with me in the car, our house was always a mess, I was always scruffy as a child. I had to look after her from such a young age and I’ll never forget the teasing from both adults and kids in our area at my “mad” Mum. Granted this was in rural Ireland circa 90s when such things were frowned upon.

As an adult now 29 it took me until 25 to go to a doctor about my own mental health problems that looking back I probably had since the age of 15. Chronically shy, always down and didn’t know why, no motivation, didn’t care about my appearance, dependence on alcohol. I was so scared about going to a doctor as I felt I was confirming that history was repeating itself and so scared any medication would make me out of it.

Thankfully my GP and counselor are fantastic and experienced and were able to help me and prescribe me anti depressants that help (and thankfully these have come a long way since my poor Mum had them).

But at the height of my poor mental state I was paranoid, argumentative, drunk and probably a b**** in general. Lost a lot of people that could have been good friends. Still find it ironic those who stared at me and my Mum disapprovingly share “It’s ok not to be ok” on Facebook.

So I do question what’s this “not to be ok”. Whether you are a celebrity or a Joe/Josephine Soap.

Graces7 · 05-02-2020 10:12AM

I was wrongly diagnosed as being mentally ill when I developed ME aged 27. ie as their iniitial tests showed nothing it was AITM.

The way we were treated was a scandal. The discrimination and ignorance in high places . We see it still sadly.

Worse then they realised I was not mentally ill so clearly just ???

When I finally got the correct diagnosis at th eturn of the millennium, a good doctor did a full assessment, and wrote " Was never mentally ill; it was always M.E" at the bottom of my notes.

And I literally left the country as doctors hated to be proved wrong there then . I spoke to one who hedged and argued that of course M.E is partly mental illness

I have every sympathy for folk about this. It is all too common.

Stone Deaf 4evr · 05-02-2020 10:35AM

Is it not a good idea that people have their awareness about depression raised in any fashion - its easy to look at celebs in a cynical fashion and think that they're out to make money, but the other side of that is they get a public discourse about mental health actually going, and awareness is raised that someone might actually have a problem.

Personally, I've dealt with imposter syndrome and low confidence, where I've worked in constant fear that I'd been spoofing all these years and was someday going to get found out - completely discounting the various things I've achieved in life. It was listening to a podcast where a comedian discussed this feeling that allowed me to look into it more and acknowledge it for what it is.

Now, I can relate to that, but I cant relate to the idea of being trapped in bed, urinating in a bottle for days, because I've never been there. Like all illnesses, there are varying degrees of everything. It doesn't make any one persons experience less valid. over the years, I've become more conscious of checking up on friends when I feel they're under pressure , and less quick to flare up at someone who might come across as underperforming, as you genuinely don't know what anyone is dealing with behind the scenes.

Saying that serious mental illness is the only form thats real, is, in my opinion as harmful as not acknowledging it at all.

Lonesomerhodes · 05-02-2020 10:43AM

Flutterby90 wrote: »

I completely agree. Mental illness has unfortunately been a major element of my life. My mother suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and has done since I was a child. She attempted suicide numerous times thankfully survived them all. Drove drunk with me in the car, our house was always a mess, I was always scruffy as a child. I had to look after her from such a young age and I’ll never forget the teasing from both adults and kids in our area at my “mad” Mum. Granted this was in rural Ireland circa 90s when such things were frowned upon.

As an adult now 29 it took me until 25 to go to a doctor about my own mental health problems that looking back I probably had since the age of 15. Chronically shy, always down and didn’t know why, no motivation, didn’t care about my appearance, dependence on alcohol. I was so scared about going to a doctor as I felt I was confirming that history was repeating itself and so scared any medication would make me out of it.

Thankfully my GP and counselor are fantastic and experienced and were able to help me and prescribe me anti depressants that help (and thankfully these have come a long way since my poor Mum had them).

But at the height of my poor mental state I was paranoid, argumentative, drunk and probably a b**** in general. Lost a lot of people that could have been good friends. Still find it ironic those who stared at me and my Mum disapprovingly share “It’s ok not to be ok” on Facebook.

So I do question what’s this “not to be ok”. Whether you are a celebrity or a Joe/Josephine Soap.

Fair play, I have mental illness too and because I speak my mind on people judge and condemn me.

I agree I have seen folk bully the living shyte out of people in jobs, make lies about them and make their lifes hell and the same people post

It's OK not to be Ok or they post selfies of themselves doing the darkness into light walk. Evil two faced fecks.

the hypocrisy of these people is staggering.

Well done on getting better, day at a time!.

Mental Illness in the Media.

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