Is there a stigma around psychological illness in nearby politics?

“In all parts of our society the stigma close to psychological sick wellness is robust,” wrote Lambeth councillor Edward Davie. Photograph: Alamy

“In all components of our society, the stigma around psychological ill health is sturdy,” wrote Lambeth councillor Edward Davie in an write-up for the Regional Leaders Network.

Davie said that, as a politician, talking about his knowledge of NHS psychological healthcare had made him come to feel vulnerable. “As opposed to a physical ailment, psychological difficulties are often regarded as a indicator of a flawed character, weakness or a lack of self-manage. These are not perceptions that get individuals elected or promoted and so, understandably, most politicians do not publicise their own experiences of mental ill wellness,” Davie wrote.

There are more than 20,000 elected councillors in England and Wales, and in accordance to the charity Mind two.6 in one hundred folks endure from depression. That indicates that potentially there could be as many as 500 councillors struggling from some form of mental illness, but but so few have openly discussed it. Does this reflect a stigma surrounding local politicians speaking about their mental health difficulties?

We want to hear from councillors about whether or not they really feel comfortable talking about their experiences, and from constituents about whether or not they would vote for a councillor who had openly talked about overcoming psychological sickness. Do individuals in positions of energy require to be more open about their experiences, and how can they be encouraged to do so?

Charles Walker MP and Kevan Jones have spoken about psychological health circumstances in the past, but we want to hear from you about what far more can be accomplished to fight this issue.

Share your views and ideas in the feedback box under, and if you would like to create a blog or post a comment anonymously then electronic mail sarah.marsh@theguardian.com.

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Is there a stigma around psychological illness in nearby politics?