Mental health charity lodges complaint with Ofcom after Channel 4 broadcasts ‘offensive, harmful and ignorant views’

Thursday 26 April – The national charity Rethink Mental Illness (1) has made an official complaint to the broadcasting regular Ofcom, after Channel 4 aired the views of an evangelical Christian, claiming mental illness is a ‘behavioral problem, rooted in pride, self-centeredness and self-pity’.

Appearing on 4thought.tv on Wednesday 25 April, Malcolm Bowden claimed that depression and other mental illnesses are a ‘behavioral problem, rooted in pride, self-centeredness and self-pity’ and that ‘true Christians should not be depressed’.

Paul Jenkins, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness said:

“While of course we support free speech and open debate, we feel that Channel 4 really crossed an unacceptable line by broadcasting these harmful and ignorant views. His misinformed opinions are deeply offensive to anyone who has even a basic understanding of mental illness.

“The fact that this nonsense even made it to air, brings home how much work there still is to do in terms of breaking down the myths and stigma which still surround mental illness and why campaigns such as Time to Change (2) are so vital.

“I simply cannot imagine Channel 4 would provide this kind of platform for someone claiming that being gay, or having cancer was simply a case of being difficult and self-centered.

“To frame mental illness as a moral failing, to intentionally pile shame and guilt on people who may already be struggling to overcome these emotions, is breathtakingly insensitive.

“Not only are his views offensive, they are harmful. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 35 in the UK. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if young men felt more able to be open about their illness. One of the most significant factors stopping them, is the fear that others will judge them as Bowden does, as self-centered or weak. To reinforce this attitude is simply dangerous.

“We are bitterly disappointed that Channel 4 has given a prime time, unchallenged platform to such harmful, offensive views. As a responsible broadcaster, they have a duty to break down the myths which surround mental illness, not reinforce them.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact Rachel Whitehead, News and Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness on 0207 840 3138 or email Rachel.whitehead@rethink.org

Notes to editors

1.Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.

For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.

We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.

We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.

For more information go to http://www.rethink.org

2. Time to Change is England’s most ambitious programme to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. The programme is run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of Health and Comic Relief.

For more information go to http://www.time-to-change.org.uk

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