Ted Lasso’s Absurd ‘Mental Health’ PSA At The White House

Emma and the MR Crew tackle the absurdity of the Ted Lasso mental health PSA performance at the White House Press briefing.

#SamSeder #EmmaVigeland #MajorityReport #politics #news #progressive #leftist #democrats #liberal

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[willfulwoman]

The character Ted Lasso experiences panic attacks. I think this is the reason Jason is asked about it. I don’t agree at all that this is a rich person’s problem. Many people in socioeconomic circles feel shame about their mental health issues. It is difficult to reach out for help when you fear ridicule. As someone who suffers from severe mental health issues, I think any conversation that doesn’t stigmatize those diagnoses is a good thing, even if it is coming from an actor or even a fictional character. Of course, it isn’t the only conversation to be had on these topics.

[Colonelloki]

While I agree with them that the focus should be on cost, I completely disagree with them that is the main barrier for most people. I grew up in a family that was not at all secure financially, and wasn't able to go to a dentist regularly until I was 18 and the last of 4 that was still in the house. The stigma associated with mental illness had me not seriously consider seeking help until 8 years ago when I was 25, and then I just took the first diagnosis and ran with it rather than making sure it was correct, not getting a proper diagnosis until 2 years ago. The stigma seems to be less of a factor for women, but I know women who completely knee jerk reject the idea of having a "worse" diagnosis like bipolar II disorder over depression.

They are BOTH significant problems, and they should BOTH be addressed. It is NOT just a "rich person problem", and to say that they should have focused on one problem and not anotherjust speaks to the privilege of them having a good support system of friends who would support them in seeking help.

[therealgaberyan]

Not to disregard or discredit the focus on the healthcare--or lack thereof--but the stigmatization is 100% a barrier for people. I've watched the lives of my friends fall apart due to their own stubbornness and pride.

[bbellomusic]

I’m a psychiatrist in Southern California. The problem is both a stigma and a resource issue. When I worked in Compton at a county clinic, no show rates were around 18-20%. They were 15% at the insurance based private practice I worked at after that. Even when it’s available, many people don’t prioritize their mental health. So while I agree that we need to have a Medicare for all discussion, I don’t think this stunt undercuts any part of the conversation about mental healthcare.

[d_dave]

Sorry but shame or pride around mental health is not a rich person problem. It just isn’t. Yes, younger generations have less of that, but it exists everywhere.

[nd-place]

I don't get why people are hating on them when he went into it completely unprepared, as he acknowledged. It's a big theme of the show and on the show a big part of it is how it's difficult to talk about it and acknowledge it publicly. As someone who has mental health issues, one of the biggest problems for me was talking about it and taking that step to get treatment. Of course it was crazy expensive and I missed time off work and it about broke my family. But that being said there are a lot of free resources out there and people should try something before they kill themselves. Even talking to a friend can help. Now I'm also an advocate for talking about it openly and many people I know both personally and professionally understand my struggle and someone at my work was inspired to go get help herself and thanked me for talking about it. You guys are being kind of haters here. I'm sure if they were better prepared they would've said more. Most Hollywood actors are liberals but they're also not as politically educated as we are. At least they are doing _something_.

[grldr]

As someone living in a country with a way better healthcare system than yours, let me tell you: You are completely wrong about this. Talking about mental health is still attached to a lot of stigma. It's not just a rich people problem. In fact, it is far more stigmatized in lower income communities from my experience. Every attempt to reduce that stigmatization is a positive. Just because they don't go far enough in talking about the issues you are personally care about doesn't mean that talking about the issue is a bad thing.

And talking as someone with mental health issues myself, you are hurting people with this segment. Please rethink your position.

[DarkManSonian]

The American healthcare system is devastating.
I never thought it was possible for me to get sober and fix my mental health until I moved to Oregon and gained access to healthcare that actually is useful and covers much of what I need.

[IheartDogs]

As someone who has battled bi-polar disorder since adolescence, and is now in my 60s, it continues to be a source of frustration that our health care system does not prioritize mental health. Medical assistance often only becomes available for the incarcerated. Without access to help in a timely manner, people's lives are ruined when the mental illness ultimately is revealed via criminal behavior.

[wilcee]

Now we just need Gregory House to lecture us about healthcare, and RoboCop to talk to us about policing in America.

[CourtneyHaynes]

I don't get the problem and Idc. The press conference was a positive. Period. He simply said if you need help reach out. If every non-mention of M4A when talking about mental health is a negative then that just seems like a ridiculous standard

[rykcan-]

Please stop this. Shooting down every single person who isn't as perfectly progressive as you is great way to ensure that you end up alone with no one around to help make the changes you want to see in this country. I've watch MR for years and loved it, but you are just getting so petty lately.

[billn]

This is such a weird thing to get up in arms about. I live in the midwest, a lot of lower/middle class men won't discuss mental health. So even saying this small thing isn't a net negative. This is a cutesy segment with characters some people enjoy acknowledging anyone can struggle with mental health issues. Honestly, not everything in life or death, fun is allowed in life. It doesn't have to be outrage all the time. Real Fox News getting mad about Obama's brown suit energy.

[quinbox]

What the hell are u guys talking about? Seriously. All Jason was saying was don't be afraid to talk to somebody. When did talking to somebody cost you anything. You guys are so wrapped up in trying to criticize EVERYONE you miss the message.

[ChrisRod]

Been listening to this show for over 6 years. Love it. But this segment was insufferable

[chelseafaneva]

MR came off like a bunch of disconnected haters on this one. Mental health stigmatization is a real barrier to many people's access to mental health. Also for those of y'all wondering what Ted lasso has to do with mental health? Watch season 2 it's a central part of the plot

[nicholasschoonbeck]

Let me also say, that when you are dangerously depressed, you won't contact anyone, even if you have people in your life, at that point, you believe they are better off with you gone. But even if you have people, even if you can reach out, most people have ZERO tools to help or advice to give, & if you're in a real struggle with any mental health, bad advice can be deadly.

[nunya]

Why are these weirdos criticizing Jason Sudeikis? Dude was clearly put on the spot, and it's not like anything would change if he'd talked about m4a.

[adamc]

Why isn't it OK for people to speak from their own experience and not tie it to a larger political objective? Sudeikis never said he's opposed to universal care or access to mental health services. Maybe his audience (remembering he said he didn't think his statement was going to be on that stage) is people like himself who are lucky to have healthcare.
This whole segment was MR cringe.

[MugRuith]

At least they are concerned and trying. This is like some lame hippy punching. Focus on the real problems.