Ayrshire MSP encourages politicians to talk about mental health following resignation
Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley has encouraged other politicians to talk about their struggles with mental health following her resignation as minister for drugs and alcohol earlier this week.
Last updated 9th Feb 2024
Elena Whitham resigned from her post as drug and alcohol minster on Tuesday 6 February, citing recent struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and mental wellbeing.
In a letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf, Whitham wrote. “Sadly, after much soul searching, it is apparent to me that I must regrettably resign from my ministerial role so that I am able to look after my wellbeing and ensure my constituents of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley continue to be represented assiduously.”
Since her resignation, Whitham has spoken to West FM about her decision to step down, saying, “I think people forget that politicians have a personal life… Sometimes the pressure becomes enormous, and for me something had to give. For me, the only thing that could give was that ministerial role.”
Whitham made a point of encouraging other politicians and MSPs to talk about their mental health, telling West FM, “I think unless people who are in positions of power start to talk about issues surrounding mental health and other stigmatized issues then we’re not going to change the public discourse.”
“I do think being in the public eye creates a whole other dynamic, and there possibly could be calls to ensure there’s more mental health check-in’s when you are faced with being in the public eye.”
Despite being so candid about the importance of maintaining mental wellbeing, the Ayrshire MSP received an onslaught of criticism online following her resignation.
Rachel Hamilton, Scottish Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire wrote on Twitter:
“Two in one week. Oooft. No apology from the Health Secretary in his letter. The SNP is in internal meltdown.”
Elena Whitham responded to the critique by telling West FM it’s “unfortunate” that colleagues have used her resignation for “political point scoring”.
“There has been some abusive comments and some flippant comments that also add to the pressure I feel.”
“And some political point scoring comments which are really unfortunate.”
Whitman continued, saying that the fact she received abusive comments online only proves that there's more work to be done when talking about mental health.
“Talking about it comes at a cost, and I understood that before I made it public knowledge. But I still think if we don’t push the envelope when it comes to talking about it and if we can’t model that as leaders then I think we’re never going to change the way that we collectively think about mental health.” Adds Whitham.
In accepting her resignation, Humza Yousaf wrote, "I am greatly saddened to hear that due to your personal ill-health you feel you cannot continue to give the role the focus that you would wish to.”
"I wanted you to be aware of how greatly I have valued your efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths - not least the work to take forward proposals for reviewing drug laws."