Friday 19 April, 2024

People are talking a lot of sense about depression on Twitter today

“Many of the greatest, most responsible people have been depressives.”

A DISCUSSION ON the stigma that still surrounds depression has sprung up on Twitter today in response to the reporting of Germanwings pilot Andreas Lubitz’ depression.

Lubitz was the co-pilot of flight 4U9525, which crashed into the French Alps on Tuesday morning.

It is believed that he had a history of depression – many news outlets have drawn ire from mental health groups in their attempts to link his condition to the crash.

UK organisation Mind has said the reports were “overly simplistic”:

mindstatement Mind.org.uk Mind.org.uk

This statement has been echoed by many people on Twitter, who feel that the reports only add to the already large taboo that is mental health.

People wanted to make it very clear that having depression does not make you dangerous

Let's make it clearer for the Daily Mail with a simple Venn Diagram pic.twitter.com/9LsUxjqjUE
— Paul Bowsher (@boffbowsh) March 27, 2015

Paul Bowsher / Twitter

Dear hysterical media. I have depression, but I don't feel like killing innocent people, because MASS MURDER isn't a symptom. Get a grip.
— Jen Ronan (@JayRow) March 27, 2015

Jen Ronan / Twitter

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

I have a long history of depression why on earth am I ever allowed out? #stigma #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/9FkNGQrJFg
— June Shannon (@juneshannon) March 27, 2015

June Shannon / Twitter

For some, it was a reminder of how hard it is to speak out about mental health

Saying that pilots who've suffered depression shouldn't be allowed to fly will only ensure pilots never seek help for depression 👍
— sarah m 🇵🇸 (@sazza_jay) March 27, 2015

Sarah M / Twitter

Others have pointed out that ‘responsible people’ everywhere suffer from depression

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

And, as ever, some folks managed to be funny about it

Hi @MailOnline , I have depression but I need to drive my car to the shops, is this OK? Is driving OK? Please respond I am hungry.
— TechnicallyRon (On all the platforms) (@TechnicallyRon) March 27, 2015

TechnicallyRon / Twitter

Whether the pilot was Muslim or suffered depression (or both) [or neither] it's critical we blame Muslims & the mentally ill, TO BE SAFE.
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) March 27, 2015

rob delaney / Twitter

‘I am gay, I am Catholic and I am a primary teacher in a Catholic school’>

George Hook’s powerful response to a hateful letter is going viral worldwide>

Author

Valerie Loftus

Send Tip or Correction View all articles

Your Voice

Readers Comments

4

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

Download our app

People are talking a lot of sense about depression on Twitter today

People wanted to make it very clear that having depression does not make you dangerous

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

For some, it was a reminder of how hard it is to speak out about mental health

Others have pointed out that ‘responsible people’ everywhere suffer from depression

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

And, as ever, some folks managed to be funny about it

‘I am gay, I am Catholic and I am a primary teacher in a Catholic school’>

George Hook’s powerful response to a hateful letter is going viral worldwide>