Alastair Campbell:Depression and Me (BBC 2 9PM)

tiger76 · Post by **tiger76** » Tue May 21, 2019 8:43 pm

Don't know if BFC will be mentioned but it'll be interesting to see a side of Alastair which most of the general public won't be aware of.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Tue May 21, 2019 8:45 pm

Some will have something negative to say.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Tue May 21, 2019 8:49 pm

I’d much sooner listen to someone on here, I remember a comedian saying that after the enormous loss of life In Iraq over the war that Blair and Bush prosecuted he wasn’t surprised that A C was depressed.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Tue May 21, 2019 8:52 pm

It doesn't (or shouldn't) matter what people think of him, he's done and continues to do great work to publicise this.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:02 pm

Lancasterclaret wrote:It doesn't (or shouldn't) matter what people think of him, he's done and continues to do great work to publicise this.

You say that but I suspect it’s more about making some money and keeping in the public eye.

AndyClaret · Post by **AndyClaret** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:05 pm

I think i'd be depressed if i'd done what he's done.

conyoviejo · Post by **conyoviejo** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:13 pm

People shouldn't make fun out of depression,it's a terrible illness.Especially if you have lived with somebody who has suffered with it you certainly wouldn't do it..

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:25 pm

conyoviejo wrote:People shouldn't make fun out of depression,it's a terrible illness.Especially if you have lived with somebody who has suffered with it you certainly wouldn't do it..

No ones making fun of the illness conyoviejo or about anything else on this thread that I can see.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:28 pm

Well conyo I’ve just re-read all the posts above and can’t find anyone making fun of it.

Just the odd remark about there possibly being good reasons why someone like AC is struggling with this disease. They’d be right too. Whilst I don’t wish this disease on anyone, it’s difficult to feel sorry for someone like AC after what he’s been involved in.

Speaking personally, whenever people ask me about famous clarets, I always miss him off the list due to being embarrassed of his links to us.

Of course, if this programme is about highlighting this disease and nothing more, fair play to him.... but this is Alastair Campbell. There WILL be another angle, and he will be a beneficiary in some shape way or form.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:53 pm

conyoviejo wrote:People shouldn't make fun out of depression,it's a terrible illness.Especially if you have lived with somebody who has suffered with it you certainly wouldn't do it..

There's at least 2 posters on this board who have made fun of people with depression.

Longsider · Post by **Longsider** » Tue May 21, 2019 9:54 pm

A really good watch.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Tue May 21, 2019 10:10 pm

A good, honest, open programme.
Good to see his pipes, Clarets and love of Scotland!
3 of my loves!

May the good days overwhelm the bad, for all sufferers of depression and related illnesses.

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Tue May 21, 2019 10:34 pm

Poor guy. Regardless of your views on him and his politics he was brave to do the programme and if he gets help and doing it helps others it has to be beneficial.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue May 21, 2019 10:53 pm

Found it very difficult to watch

mdd2 · Post by **mdd2** » Tue May 21, 2019 11:04 pm

That was an excellent programme and I suppose one can see how if like him a person can dip so quickly and deeply they can have done the ultimate and no one may have suspected it as I am sure like me we know of people who have taken their lives apparently out of the blue when even their nearest and dearest suspected nothing was wrong

COBBLE · Post by **COBBLE** » Tue May 21, 2019 11:14 pm

A very interesting programme by a successful journalist which demonstrates how complex the causes and possible ways of treating depression are, and are probably individual to each sufferer. I do like the way he showed the limitations of the various possible treatments available in isolation. There is some hope in his conclusion.

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:53 am

We have lived with a relative with depression.Alastairs one day at a time struck home.
You never know if its a good day or a bad one.
Its sad that some people still want to deflect the issue depicted on the show by sidetracking into politics.
Watching us play for 50 yrs could depress anyone at times

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Wed May 22, 2019 8:03 am

South West Claret. wrote:You say that but I suspect it’s more about making some money and keeping in the public eye.

Really? ...I've found obsession with money and publicity to be generally more of a Tory thing Tbh.

Enlightening programme..made with integrity..thanks Alastair.

CardyTheClaret · Post by **CardyTheClaret** » Wed May 22, 2019 8:38 am

When I clicked on this thread I wondered how long it would take for someone to be a ****, surprised it was as early as the third.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Wed May 22, 2019 11:50 am

CardyTheClaret wrote:When I clicked on this thread I wondered how long it would take for someone to be a ****, surprised it was as early as the third.

Life's full of surprises like thinking that you are voting Labour in the 2000's and sadly being disappointed and angry when we all find out it's really voting for a slightly less extreme version of a typical Tory Government.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Wed May 22, 2019 12:07 pm

bobinho wrote:Well conyo I’ve just re-read all the posts above and can’t find anyone making fun of it.

Just the odd remark about there possibly being good reasons why someone like AC is struggling with this disease. They’d be right too. Whilst I don’t wish this disease on anyone, it’s difficult to feel sorry for someone like AC after what he’s been involved in.

Speaking personally, whenever people ask me about famous clarets, I always miss him off the list due to being embarrassed of his links to us.

Of course, if this programme is about highlighting this disease and nothing more, fair play to him.... but this is Alastair Campbell. There WILL be another angle, and he will be a beneficiary in some shape way or form.

Do you know anyone who has suffered from depression?

Herts Clarets · Post by **Herts Clarets** » Wed May 22, 2019 12:51 pm

COBBLE wrote:A very interesting programme by a successful journalist

Successful journalist? He started by making up stories for porn magazines, then progressed onto making up stories to support government actions that were at the very least highly questionable and more likely illegal. Which ever way, they led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

I didn't watch the program, as I object to watching the odious turd on TV, regardless of his footballing persuasions. But from what I have seen of him, the program will be about promoting and keeping the name and face of AC in the spotlight as much as it will be about depression. And as others have already said, if you had done some of the things that he has done, it would make the most cheerful individual depressed.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Wed May 22, 2019 1:02 pm

I would openly like to thank Alistair.

Talking about depression is very brave. I have suffered from depression for about 10 years now and much of what Alistair said rang true.

My life has been enormously affected. My income is a quarter of what it used to be but the real sadness is the effect on the people around me.

For example, I really look forward to Christmas and my (grown up) kids coming home for a few days. Sadly, depression usually kicks in and they think I am a right old miserable sod. Breaks my heart to think they will remember me this way.

I did think the programme left many routes unexplored but I guess that will be covered in other episodes. There was no mention of the importance of daylight, the use of light boxes and even gardening.

In Norway, the lack of daylight means the hospitals are full of sufferers. To save money the hospitals put their resident sufferers to work in the hospital gardens (to grow food for the hospital's meals). After 6 months, 90% of the patients were improved enough that they could return home.

Lets keep this thread positive and with no mocking. If you have never suffered, count yourself lucky and pray you never do.

dermotdermot · Post by **dermotdermot** » Wed May 22, 2019 1:03 pm

South West Claret. wrote:Life's full of surprises like thinking that you are voting Labour in the 2000's and sadly being disappointed and angry when we all find out it's really voting for a slightly less extreme version of a typical Tory Government.

Absolute bilge!

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Wed May 22, 2019 1:10 pm

Spijed wrote:Do you know anyone who has suffered from depression?

Yes. Someone quite close to me still does. I also have a mate who struggles occasionally.

I also know quite a few people who struggle with PTSD, which can manifest itself similarly.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Wed May 22, 2019 1:18 pm

LoveCurryPies wrote:I would openly like to thank Alistair.

Talking about depression is very brave. I have suffered from depression for about 10 years now and much of what Alistair said rang true.

My life has been enormously affected. My income is a quarter of what it used to be but the real sadness is the effect on the people around me.

For example, I really look forward to Christmas and my (grown up) kids coming home for a few days. Sadly, depression usually kicks in and they think I am a right old miserable sod. Breaks my heart to think they will remember me this way.

I did think the programme left many routes unexplored but I guess that will be covered in other episodes. There was no mention of the importance of daylight, the use of light boxes and even gardening.

In Norway, the lack of daylight means the hospitals are full of sufferers. To save money the hospitals put their resident sufferers to work in the hospital gardens (to grow food for the hospital's meals). After 6 months, 90% of the patients were improved enough that they could return home.

Lets keep this thread positive and with no mocking. If you have never suffered, count yourself lucky and pray you never do.

Sorry to hear of your struggle, as I’m sure most will be on here. If AC making this programme has helped you in anyway, then obviously that is a good thing, and makes it worth it.

Good luck with it in the future.

AlargeClaret · Post by **AlargeClaret** » Wed May 22, 2019 1:49 pm

His career in the “ mental health industry” certainly outlived his political one . While he may well have battled depression he’s certainly not been shy in foisting it on the world for the last 15yrs .While I’ve no need or reason but to wish him well , he’s hardly breaking his silence

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Wed May 22, 2019 2:04 pm

bobinho wrote:Yes. Someone quite close to me still does. I also have a mate who struggles occasionally.

I also know quite a few people who struggle with PTSD, which can manifest itself similarly.

If you fully understand what people close to you are going through why you would question Alastair Campbell when it's well documented that he has also suffered severely from depression?

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Wed May 22, 2019 3:06 pm

dermotdermot wrote:Absolute bilge!

Thank you for agreeing with me in my post that you quoted.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Wed May 22, 2019 3:39 pm

Dont particularly like Campbell but he came across well in this,its a terrible ailment which affects way to many of us.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:16 pm

Spijed wrote:If you fully understand what people close to you are going through why you would question Alastair Campbell when it's well documented that he has also suffered severely from depression?

I don’t fully understand, and nor do I profess to. And I haven’t questioned Alastair Campbell. I suggested that it may well be easy to understand that he suffers from it when you consider what he has been involved in throughout his professional life. I also suggested that this programme bringing mental health issues to the forefront is unlikely to be the biggest factor in him doing it.

I have also suggested that if anyone gets anything at all from this programme and it helps them in any way at all, then that’s a good thing.

I don’t like AC. I don’t like what he stands for and how he has gone about influencing things in this country. I don’t wish him any real harm, and I don’t want him to suffer with this disease for the rest of his life, but I DO expect the decisions he has made to have been a driving factor in him finding himself in this situation.

Walt · Post by **Walt** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:35 pm

I related to this in many ways.

I've suffered from depression for as long as I can remember but only opened up and sought to take action around 2 years ago.

It has cost me a decent job and very recently my girlfriend of 3 years, who I love but I've made it unbearable for her to be around me. As I'm also divorced I find myself single for the 1st time in approx 14 yrs and struggling emotionally.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:45 pm

Herts Clarets wrote:Successful journalist? He started by making up stories for porn magazines, then progressed onto making up stories to support government actions that were at the very least highly questionable and more likely illegal. Which ever way, they led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

I didn't watch the program, as I object to watching the odious turd on TV, regardless of his footballing persuasions. But from what I have seen of him, the program will be about promoting and keeping the name and face of AC in the spotlight as much as it will be about depression. And as others have already said, if you had done some of the things that he has done, it would make the most cheerful individual depressed.

Then you were wrong

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:47 pm

Walt wrote:I related to this in many ways.

I've suffered from depression for as long as I can remember but only opened up and sought to take action around 2 years ago.

It has cost me a decent job and very recently my girlfriend of 3 years, who I love but I've made it unbearable for her to be around me. As I'm also divorced I find myself single for the 1st time in approx 14 yrs and struggling emotionally.

Hope you are still taking the actions and talking to folk, Walt. Don't be 'alone' in this.

moaninclaret · Post by **moaninclaret** » Wed May 22, 2019 5:52 pm

I had a quick chat with AC just before kick off at our last game against Arsenal, I knew the programme was being screened last night and i told him i was looking forward to watching, having suffered this awful disease myself i really felt for the guy when he told me i would be quite shocked just how bad he was suffering with depression and after watching the programme i can understand why. He is an ok bloke and he always takes time to talk to fans at the game, whatever some people think of him, he loves our Burnley FC, and when he goes to the game, it helps him forget his depression as it does for myself although sometimes i wonder why.

Walt · Post by **Walt** » Wed May 22, 2019 7:30 pm

IanMcL wrote:Hope you are still taking the actions and talking to folk, Walt. Don't be 'alone' in this.

Thanks. Yes I am, joined a support group and been open with so many more close family and friends. I'm in a terrible mess but by taking small positive steps I feel I can turn it around eventually.

dermotdermot · Post by **dermotdermot** » Wed May 22, 2019 8:28 pm

South West Claret. wrote:Thank you for agreeing with me in my post that you quoted.

Quite the opposite, SWC.

Foulthrow · Post by **Foulthrow** » Wed May 22, 2019 9:14 pm

Does he post on this board?

I bet he reads it.

If you do Alistair then ignore any nonsense that comes your way. I thought your programme explored a lot of important issues that too easily get brushed aside. The more we can be aware of the devastating impact that depression can have then the better.

I also like to think that the Clarets, as they do for many of us, help us in our darkest times.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Wed May 22, 2019 10:38 pm

When it showed Alistair at a match, I did wonder how many other people were suffering within Turf Moor.

If 18,000 adults were at the game, I think 1 in 10 might be sufferers (purely a guess) so there could have been 1,800 in the stadium each facing there daily demons.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Wed May 22, 2019 11:13 pm

LoveCurryPies wrote:When it showed Alistair at a match, I did wonder how many other people were suffering within Turf Moor.

If 18,000 adults were at the game, I think 1 in 10 might be sufferers (purely a guess) so there could have been 1,800 in the stadium each facing there daily demons.

TBH Most if not all the 18.000 have Demons of sorts....it's not Exclusively Depression. Most people Have Sh!t going on in their lives for what ever reason.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Wed May 22, 2019 11:58 pm

dermotdermot wrote:Quite the opposite, SWC.

Well in that case I suggest that you cut the abuse and attempt to explain/prove why you think that I am wrong.

dermotdermot · Post by **dermotdermot** » Thu May 23, 2019 10:23 am

‘Abuse’?

keith1879 · Post by **keith1879** » Thu May 23, 2019 12:42 pm

Very interesting program ....my late wife suffered from depression although not with the violent mood swings that AC described. His exploration of alternative approaches - and caution at embracing them struck me as refreshingly open minded. Actually seeking evidence and considering it critically - not very fashionable these days!!

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Thu May 23, 2019 4:57 pm

dermotdermot wrote:‘Abuse’?

Yes abuse see your post 1760.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Sun May 26, 2019 11:24 pm

He's a Bit Better tonight ... And picking a few quid up in the process on Bbc1 live

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sun May 26, 2019 11:31 pm

He voted Libdem!

Stayingup · Post by **Stayingup** » Mon May 27, 2019 7:21 pm

fatboy47 wrote:Really? ...I've found obsession with money and publicity to be generally more of a Tory thing Tbh.

Enlightening programme..made with integrity..thanks Alastair.

Yep and spending everybodies hard earned money on generally useless things is definitely a socialist thing.