While the presidential candidate kept trying to explain “normal human despair,” the #CNN anchor grilled her about comments related to clinical #depression.
Author #MarianneWilliamson faced a tense exchange Thursday night when the #Democratic presidential candidate was grilled about her rhetoric surrounding #mentalhealth and antidepressants.
In an interview, CNN’s Anderson Cooper brought up Williamson’s past comments that antidepressants meant to be prescribed for clinical depression actually “numb” or “mask” pain that should be felt.REAL LIFE. REAL NEWS. REAL VOICES.Help us tell more of the stories that matter from voices that too often remain unheard.Become a founding member
“If you’re on an antidepressant, you’re not numbing your pain,” Cooper said. “You’re actually trying to feel again, no?”
“Well, some people would argue that, some people not,” Williamson responded.
JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
“If you’re on an antidepressant, you’re not numbing your pain. You’re actually trying to feel again.”@AndersonCooper challenges presidential candidate @marwilliamson on her record on #mentalhealth, vaccines, and antidepressants.https://cnn.it/2MA5nWC 4,9756:46 PM – Aug 1, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 1,948 people are talking about this
There was a clear dissonance in the conversation between the two, as Williamson continued to talk about the “normal human despair” that includes emotions like sadness and grief, while Cooper talked about the illness and chemical imbalance in the brain that is clinical #depression.
Cooper also criticized Williamson for referring to clinical #depression as a “scam,” a comment she made while recording a podcast in November 2018 with actor Russell Brand. The author apologized both Wednesday on MSNBC and Thursday on Cooper’s show.
This is the third time in recent days that Williamson has faced backlash for her comments on #mentalhealth. The New York Times published an interview with her Saturday in which Williamson defended a tweet criticizing antidepressants that she posted after designer Kate Spade died by #suicide last year.
The Times noted that there was no explicit evidence Spade took antidepressants, though Williamson said in the interview she believes clinical depression is real but that there has been too much of a “medicalization of normal human despair.”
“Putting out a blanket tweet… on the day somebody has died, implying that they were on antidepressants and that’s what caused their #suicide… seems irresponsible.”@AndersonCooper addresses presidential candidate @MarWilliamson‘s #mentalhealth comments.https://cnn.it/2MA5nWC 7407:27 PM – Aug 1, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 696 people are talking about this
“Putting out a blanket tweet … on the day somebody has died, implying that they were on antidepressants and that’s what caused their #suicide … seems irresponsible,” Cooper told Williamson, who responded while shaking her head, “I could say the same thing about you, given how many pharmaceutical companies advertise on your show.”
Cooper’s brother, Carter Cooper, died by #suicide in 1988 at 23 years old. He has written about the death and his own journey navigating grief and loss.
After the #CNN interview, Williamson tweeted, “I didn’t expect such an aggressive conversation with [Cooper] but I figure it’s good rehearsal for debating #DonaldTrump.”
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
