Davidson’s candour is to be praised
Even those who don’t share her political views must recognise her courage and welcome her message
Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson’s decision to speak out about periods of mental ill-health, including spells when she selfharmed, is a courageous one.
While it is undoubtedly true that we have, as a society, made huge leaps forwards in terms of understanding mental illness, there remains considerable stigma around the subject. And so Ms Davidson’s candour will surely help shatter what remains of the taboo.
Not so very long ago, the issue of mental health was barely discussed. This silence fostered ignorance which fuelled prejudice against those who suffer from mental health problems. And this grim chain ended in a place where many of those who needed help felt unable to ask for it. Who, after all, would wish to be dismissed as mad or branded dangerous?
In speaking about her breakdown and the times she slashed her own skin for comfort, Ms Davidson reinforces the message that mental illness can affect anyone and that, with help, its impact can be overcome. Ms Davidson’s politics may not be for everyone but even her fiercest opponent would have to agree that she has, on more than one occasion, used her profile to reach out to those who might feel marginalised in society.
Frequently, throughout her political career, Ms Davidson has highlighted and called out the homophobic abuse to which she is frequently subjected. Her rationale for not simply ignoring the bigots who taunt and threaten her because she is gay is that young gay people, perhaps uncertain about whether to come out to friends and family, need to know that this sort of abuse is never acceptable.
It is to Ms Davidson’s great credit that she now chooses to share another aspect of her life in the hope that others might take comfort.
The Scotsman does not doubt the sincerity of members of the Scottish Parliament who now pay greater attention than ever to the issue of mental health. But the reality remains that the NHS is not currently able to cope with the demand for mental health services. Waiting times for treatment remain intolerably long, meaning many are forced – if they are able to bear the costs – to go private.
Ms Davidson may have made it easier for people to speak up about their mental health problems but real progress will only come when those who do so have access to the support and treatment they need.