Mental Health and Mental Illness According to Piers Morgan

Mental Health and Mental Illness receive much public opinion and debate across multiple platforms. Mainstream media plays a vital role in educating and normalizing the conversation about mental health. More so, public figures on social media hold a power of influence.

This influence can have positive effects.

But equally, it can also have adverse effects.

For some months now, many people have been stunned to hear and read that people need to have a stiff upper lip and man up in the face of adversity.

But words have meaning and can lead to dire consequences.

While not the only one, a prominent public figure who is not shy from telling his truth – not necessarily, the truth – is Piers Morgan. I follow him on Twitter since I enjoy his commonsense approach to many topics affecting society today.

First, let me preface this by saying that I agree with much of what Piers Morgan voices within the realm of common sense. Specifically, the notion that there is a difference between mental health and mental illness. I will explain this in a follow-up blog post.

However, I'm afraid I have to disagree that one is less important than the other.

The pathological seriousness between the two may differ, but this does not say that mental health is something to be played down or "manned up" about.

There are various paths that I and many others can dispute this assertion.

But, since I work with the LGBTQI+ community – gay men, in particular – I will address it from the experience of mental health within how it affects the lived experiences of gay men. Not from the "woke brigade" perspective, as Piers puts it. Instead, from the standpoint that a significant percentage of LGBTQI+ people face multiple mental health challenges that can have dire consequences in the absence of mental illness.

Some background.

Piers has repeatedly shared his thoughts that it is "utter nonsense" that 34 million UK adults are mentally ill and that Britain should "man up."

This view relates to his unchanged response to the Mental Health Foundation releasing a statement revealing that 65% of British people have experienced a mental health problem. Now, the Mental Health Foundation is not a fly-by-night entity lacking credibility. Founded in 1949, it's a UK charity focused on scientific research and advocacy for helping people understand, protect, and sustain their mental health.

Piers' defense of this statement is that he is in the "opinion business" and is entitled to his opinion.

He's right.

But, like any business, profit is everything. So, encouraging engagement, likes, and page views equal, on some level, success. Digital currency, if you will. I can respect that. It's clever. Strategic. On brand for him.

Piers has said he would not tell someone with a mental illness to man up.

However, he would say it to (assumed) mentally healthy individuals with 'normal' life issues. Let's translate this to the LGBTQI community.

Piers believes a gay man struggling to accept his sexual orientation, who experiences internalized homophobia, and the anxiety and shame associated with this, should "man up."

Why?

By his definition, neither of these situations classifies as a mental illness.

So, since it affects a man's mental health, a stiff lip is needed. Yet, internalized homophobia, for example, can provoke emotional and psychological wounds due to the disconnect or cognitive dissonance.

Nice, Piers.

Putting my professional hat aside, as a gay man, I find his assertions a slap in the face of all LGBTQI people.

His blanket view that mental health difficulties should be brushed off and dealt with using a "stiff upper lip" is offensive and insensitive.

For example, imagine if I did not have major depression or bipolar disorder but was incredibly uncomfortable with my sexual orientation. The extent that it interfered with having a healthy outlook on myself or the world. This situation does not mean my suffering is not legitimate or painful.

Mental health is influenced by biological factors, brain function, and nature and nurture aspects.

Piers fails to grasp this fundamental fact. Consider these statistics for a moment:

• Bisexual and gay men are at risk for suicide attempts, mainly if they are young or have low education and income levels.

• Heavy drinking is significantly more common among gay men than heterosexual men, especially for those who experience sexual stigma.

• A person living in a community where attitudes about sexual orientation are stigmatizing is likely to die younger than someone living in a less stigmatizing community.

• Many studies show that transgender individuals who are stigmatized and discriminated against are more likely to experience mental health problems or attempt suicide.

• People who internalize anti-gay views may feel anxious about their sexual behavior or feelings.

• Studies of same-sex couples show that those with more internalized homophobia experience higher daily stress levels.

• Sexually compulsive behavior is most prevalent among gay and bisexual men with internalized anti-gay biases.

• In the presence of internalized homophobia, suicidal ideation is positively and statistically significant.

Thanks to his right to free speech, Piers Morgan can voice whatever he wants, regardless of whether it represents the truth or just a soundbite for money.

But, the public also has a right to disregard any dated, harmful advice (from anyone, not just Piers) to 'man up,' since it implies that those with mental health challenges should silently suffer.

If you feel depressed or need support, do not listen to the likes of Piers. After all, his salary is partially based upon his unending negativity on mental health.

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