Britain’s youngest MP, who previously complained about social media abuse, has announced she is taking time off work while she battles post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Nadia Whittome, the 24-year-old Labour MP for Nottingham East, candidly explained on Twitter that she would be taking a leave of absence from the Commons.
Ms Whittome said: “I feel it is important for me to be honest that it is mental ill-health I am suffering from, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder.
She added that although she had tried to continue to work whilst coping with the condition, “it has become clear that this is not feasible and I have been advised by my doctor that I need to take several weeks off in order for my health to improve.
It comes just months after Ms Whittome, who was elected in the December 2019 election aged 23, spoke about reporting death threats she has received to the police, and how she regularly receives hate mail and racist abuse on social media.
In her statement, which she posted on Tuesday, Ms Whittome added: “One in four people will experience mental health problems each year, but there is still a great deal of shame and stigma surrounding it.
“Through being open about my own mental health struggle, I hope that others will also feel able to talk about theirs, and that I can play a small role in creating greater acceptance and facilitating healthier discussions around this issue.”
She thanked Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his political secretary Jenny Chapman for their “kindness” and added that her staff would continue to support constituents .
Sir Keir said: “I wish Nadia all the best and hope she gets well soon. I respect Nadia’s bravery in speaking openly about her mental health and I look forward to welcoming her back to Parliament.”
MPs across the house applauded Ms Whittome for speaking out on mental health.
Dehenna Davison, the Tory MP for Bishop Auckland, said it shows such strength of character that Ms Whittome has chosen to share her struggles publicly.
Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said that being signed off from work for poor mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a recognition that wellbeing should always be a priority.
He said: “We welcome Nadia’s openness around her diagnosis and wish her well in her recovery.”
