Loose Women panellist Saira Khan caused an emotional backlash on Twitter after some of her comments on Monday’s show.
The 47-year-old and her fellow panellists were discussing mental health days, and whether poor mental health warrants taking a day off school.
The outspoken star continued to make her thoughts clear on the matter, suggesting that taking a mental health day was “not a good idea.”
She said, “I don’t want to underplay mental health, but personally, for me, I don’t think this is a good idea.
“Look, life is life and we have to know how to cope with mental health in everyday life.
“You can’t just take time out from school.”
And while the rest of the panel seemed to agree with Saira’s thoughts on the matter, viewers appeared outraged by her comments on Twitter.
One viewer wrote, “Well Saira Khan has evidently been fortunate enough to have not experienced poor mental health. To suggest that you just have to “get on with it” and carry on with life is so ignorant of how mental illness works #LooseWomen @loosewomen”.
They also noted, “The pick yourself up mentality is usually well meaning but can be really damaging to mental health #KeepTalkingMH #LooseWomen”.
Another fan agreed, stating their view that mental health isn’t something people can always ‘get on with’.
They wrote “Didn’t realise you could cure mental health problems by “just getting on with it” umm what? Mental health needs to be treated just the same as a physical illness. #LooseWomen”.
A third fan commented sharing their anger, writing, “Shocked at some of @loosewomen panel downplaying mental health. The whole ‘get on with it’ attitude is exactly why people don’t speak out.”
A worried parent also shared their upset at Saira’s comments.
They wrote, “Saira has almost made me cry with anger. My daughter, 14, suffers with mental health and at age 7 and 8 and 9, she was already needing those days. She is implying I don’t know how to parent her. Bad form Saira. I’m turning off @loosewomen.”
While another viewer wrote, “@IamSairaKhan So your saying that MH [mental health] is not the same as PH [physical health]? #LooseWomen”
However, some seemed to agree with Saira, commenting that adults should also get mental health days.
They wrote, “Mental health days for children??? The worlds gone mad! How about adults with mental health get a well deserved break for a while! #LooseWomen”
The panellists also discussed the impact of social media on mental health, agreeing that it could have an negative impact on the way children feel.
If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health, contact mental health charity Mind, who provide support and advice, here.
You can also call their helpline on 0300 123 3393.
FROM: Woman & Home, our sister site.
The post ‘I’m turning off’: Angry viewers have criticised this Loose Women panellist for her comments on mental health appeared first on Woman Magazine.
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