Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that the government has continued to attack “mental health culture” (Mentally ill people being used as ‘political football’, campaigners say, 29 April). The publication of its disability green paper, in which the government says it wants to move away from financial support for those with mental health conditions given through personal independence payment (Pip), is greatly concerning. It comes after the prime minister labelled the UK as being amid a “sicknote culture” and said that society shouldn’t be “over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life” by diagnosing them as mental health conditions.
Such language is outdated and fails to promote open discussions about mental health or encourage those in need to seek expert advice. We must not minimise the mental health challenges that people face every day. Everyone living with a mental health condition deserves support. This includes gaining financial security, and Pip is therefore a vital lifeline for those who rely on it.
