Nadia Whittome: Britain's youngest MP takes 'several weeks' off due to PTSD
25 May 2021, 10:26
Britain's youngest MP will take "several weeks" away from work because she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, has announced she will take a leave of absence from the Commons, after months of trying to manage her condition alongside full-time work.
She said: "Unfortunately, it has become clear that this is not feasible and I have been advised by my doctor that I need to take several weeks off in order for my health to improve."
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Ms Whittome became the youngest MP in Westminster when she was elected in December 2019 aged just 23.
In a statement explaining why she had disclosed the nature of her illness, she said: "I feel it is important for me to be honest that it is mental ill-health I am suffering from - specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"One in four people will experience mental health problems each year, but there is still a great deal of shame and stigma surrounding it.
"Through being open about my own mental health struggle, I hope that others will also feel able to talk about theirs, and that I can play a small role in creating greater acceptance and facilitating healthier discussions around this issue."
She thanked Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer and his political secretary Jenny Chapman for their "kindness" and added that her staff would continue to support constituents.
Sir Keir said: "I wish Nadia all the best and hope she gets well soon. I respect Nadia's bravery in speaking openly about her mental health and I look forward to welcoming her back to Parliament."
The chief executive of a leading mental health charity praised Ms Whittome's transparency.
Mark Winstanley, from Rethink Mental Illness, said: "Being signed off from work for poor mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a recognition that wellbeing should always be a priority.
"We welcome Nadia's openness around her diagnosis and wish her well in her recovery."
