Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen in mental health joke gaffe

The Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen strayed into the area of mental health in a debate in the House of Commons, unfortunately for him he tried to make a joke of it, never a good idea.

Andrew Bridgen MP: "As for those suffering from mental health problems, especially selective amnesia, I can see plenty in this Chamber."

Neither did he then go on to apologise, another mistake.

Mental health is a serious issue in this country and making light of it by politicians, who should know better, is not helpful.

It is this petty playground throwaway comments that stop mental health being treated as a serious illness.

Mental health is everyone’s business. We all have times when we feel down or stressed or frightened. Most of the time those feelings pass. But sometimes they develop into a more serious problem and that could happen to any one of us, including Andrew Bridgen MP.

You may bounce back from a setback while someone else may feel weighed down by it for a long time.

There’s a stigma attached to mental health problems. This means that people feel uncomfortable about them and don’t talk about them much. Many people don’t even feel comfortable talking about their feelings. But it’s healthy to know and say how you’re feeling.

Hopefully Andrew Bridgen will apologise for his childish comment.