“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 (PTSD).” the statement read.
Nadia Whitomme, an Indian-origin UK Member of Parliament, who is also Britain’s youngest MP in the House of Commons, on Tuesday announced on social media that she will be taking “several weeks” off her parliamentary work for mental health reasons.
Whittome, born in the UK to a Punjabi father and representing her birthplace of Nottingham in central England for the Opposition Labour Party since her win in the December 2019 General Election, said she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had tried to balance her full-time work with the condition but had now been advised by her doctor to take time off.
On the advice of my doctor, I'm going to be taking some time away from work for health reasons.
Constituents should continue to contact my office as normal – my staff will be there to assist you.
My full statement is below. pic.twitter.com/0CMDxc8OYl
— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) May 25, 2021
“Until now, I have been attempting to manage them alongside continuing with my full-time work as an MP,” she said, in a statement posted on her Twitter account.
“Unfortunately, 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,” she 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 (PTSD).” the statement read.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is described as an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event and may have problems sleeping and find concentrating difficult.
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The 24-year-old, traditionally referred to as the “Baby of the House” in the Commons as its youngest member, said she had decided to be open about her “mental health struggle” to help others talk about similar issues.
Whitomme also said that she was hopeful that opening up about her mental health struggle will encourage more people to come forward and talk about theirs.
“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.” the MP said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wished Ms. Whittome “all the best” in her recovery and praised her “bravery”.
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