Disability, Depressive Illness and Discrimination

Axl Rose, Peter Gabriel, Stephen Fry, Tony Blair’s former ’spin doctor’ Alastair Campbell – these are just 

some of the well-known personalities who have experienced serious mental health issues including depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.  Historically, Sir Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon Bonaparte, Lord Byron, Vincent van Gogh, Ludwig van Beethoven, Pablo Picasso, Robert Burns and Albert Einstein are all high achievers known to have experienced mental health difficulties.  Is there a link between people in high office, and creative people, with depressive illness; is depression genetic or environment-led; are sensitive, artistic people more predisposed to depression?

These famous people’s inspiring experiences show that depressive illness need not be a barrier to a successful career and may even enhance it, giving a greater range of emotions and expressiveness.  People with depressive illnesses should not be made to feel second-class citizens but should be empowered to make a full contribution in work and social life.

Discrimination is meant to be outlawed by legislation, yet there is still a long way to go for full inclusion of people with mental health problems in the workplace and in society generally.  If mental health problems are combined with physical disabilities, then the effects on that person are compounded.  Is it fair to stigmatise people in this situation when they encounter more daily stresses than average due to their condition(s)? – Their lives are already likely to be inferior to their ‘normal’ and ‘well-adjusted’ peers. Income levels, career prospects, sexual relationships, social lives, access to good housing and life expectancy are all likely to be affected, compounding their health problems. -  I don’t think so.  

While it has become more socially acceptable to discuss depression and mental ill health, too often it is still seen as a taboo subject, but brushing the issue under the carpet only disguises the matter.  Speaking from experience – I have spina bifida and am prone to depression – it is better to talk openly; with a trained counsellor or impartial person, if it is too difficult to speak to close family members or friends.  A little self-knowledge and self-awareness can be very useful in tackling problems generally, mental health issues in particular.  Developing a more positive mental attitude and widening social contacts through hobbies, shared interests, sports etc boosts self-esteem, tackling the effects of depression, SAD and other disorders.

With so many people experiencing mental ill-health issues in Scotland and the UK generally, it is necessary to take action to address issues of equality to help ensure a just society and to avoid people being discarded as second-class citizens.  This needs to be enacted in legislation at Scottish Parliament and UK Parliament levels to promote social inclusion, so changing discriminatory attitudes and prejudices.