'She's emotionally disturbed': Michael Madsen talks mental

Michael Madsen ignited a scandal on Wednesday night's Celebrity Big Brother when he branded actress Denise Welch 'emotionally disturbed'.

The Reservoir Dogs actor, 54, made the cutting comment during a shock round of face-to-face live nominations that Big Brother had sprung on stunned housemates shortly after 26-year-old model Georgia Salpa's eviction.

Madsen, who has constantly rowed with Loose Women presenter Welch, opened his nominations with the words: 'I can’t stand another minute in this house with Denise'. Glamour girl Nicola McLean stifled a giggle at his typical bluntness, but the laughter soon turned to disbelief as he continued with a dig at his nemesis' mental stability.

Welch, who has been publicly open about her lifelong struggle with depression, was left distraught by the comment. Close friend Natalie Cassidy leapt to her defence and fumed: 'Honestly, I will not talk to him now, I will be polite but I won’t talk to him,' while X Factor reject Frankie Cocozza agreed: 'That was so evil.'

Madsen, who has in the past raised concerns for his own mental health, later admitted he'd made a poor choice of words and seemed to regret his flippancy.

This is a classic example of how easy it is to unwittingly hurt someone with an off-the-cuff remark that strikes alarmingly close to the truth. Terms like 'mental' and 'crazy' are often used to describe odd or annoying behaviour, but they traditionally characterise much more serious medical conditions.

Casual use of such phrases trivialises genuine disorders and can be misconstrued as cruel insensitivity rather than exasperation at someone you simply don't get on with.

I don't think Madsen meant any harm. I think he spoke before he thought and forgot he was aiming his insult at someone who actually suffered from a mental health problem. It just goes to show how carefully we must choose our words and the pitfalls of colloquialising such sensitive terminology.

Get well soon, Sinead

This morning's headlines include the news that singer Sinead O'Connor has checked into hospital with depression.

The Nothing Compares 2 U star, 45, announced the news on Twitter, describing herself as "not at all well". However, she assured fans she'd be "grand in a few weeks" and urged them not to worry, saying: "Should only worry if a depressed person DOESNT go hospital. all will be well." (sic)

What really strikes me about Sinead's words is how positive she sounds. She expresses a great deal of confidence in the medical team that will be treating her and seems determined to be back on her feet soon.

The songstress clearly sees seeking treatment as a positive step rather than a sign of failure or cause for sadness, and she's refreshingly open about her experiences.

Get well soon, Sinead!

Let's start with 'The Climb'

I'd like my first proper post to be an inspirational one, so I'm opening with a poem that always gives me hope and comfort. I hope it does the same for you!

The Climb

By Emma Nurton

Climbing up a mountain,
Pulling yourself higher and higher
Out of the pit of misery.
Things seem to look brighter.
Grass is growing, birds are singing
And the sun emerges from the clouds.
Then you start to slip,
To lose your grasp,
And down you fall.
Not quite to the bottom,
Just teetering on a ledge.
Could you go over at any moment,
Have you the strength to climb again?
The pain of your cut soul
Burns like a fire.
The anger, hurt and frustration
Come flooding back into your mind.
The fight for survival starts again.
Overcome the fear,
Search for the holds,
Rely on the support from before.
I know it's going to be difficult
But you did it once,
You can do it again.
Remember, you're not the only one -
Out there are other climbers
Fighting their own battles,
Searching their own souls
And conquering their own mountains.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to this new blog on all things mental health, a laidback portal of news, issues and advice surrounding this sensitive topic.

Please feel free to comment with opinions and feedback.

Kathy