Stephen Nolan’s honesty about his personal struggle with lockdown deserves sympathy and respect

A letter from Dr Mark McKinty:
By Dr Mark McKinty
Published 20th Jan 2021, 11:45 BST
Updated 20th Jan 2021, 15:54 BST
Stephen Nolan said the restrictions were "really getting to" himStephen Nolan said the restrictions were "really getting to" him
Stephen Nolan said the restrictions were "really getting to" him

One evening last week the BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan posted a message on his social media which included the following statements: ‘this week I’ve found the restrictions the hardest [...] It’s really getting to me’.

Whilst not particularly a fan of the Nolan Show, the most basic sense of humanity left me disgusted at many responses, lacking any compassion and overflowing with personal attacks.

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I replied: ‘Seriously, some people on this need to have a think. Someone is having a hard time. No matter who they are, how much money they have, how many people they have around them - mental health struggles can hit us all. Show a bit of kindness and encouragement. It could be your son or aunt and you’d want them to be supported!’

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Poor mental health was already a problem here before the pandemic and the plight has only been exacerbated.

We must all remember that the person on the other side is a human being and we have no idea about the things with which they are grappling.

Someone reaching out and vocalising their struggle is a massive step which should be treated with the utmost sympathy and respect. It’s time for a change in our mindset.

Dr Mark McKinty, Larne Lough Ulster Unionist

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Related topics:Stephen NolanBBCNorthern Ireland