Mhairi Black's Journey: From Political Star to Personal Liberation Through ADHD
Mhairi Black, a former SNP MP and deputy leader at Westminster, has shared her struggles with mental health and personal identity following her diagnosis of ADHD, which she describes as ‘life-changing’. Despite her public success, Black felt she was ‘flailing through life’, dealing with severe depression and anxiety exacerbated by the toxic culture in Westminster. In an upcoming BBC documentary, ‘Mhairi Black: Being Me Again’, she candidly discusses her experiences, revealing how ADHD helped her understand her own mind and emotional state after years of distress and self-doubt.
Having entered politics at a young age, Black achieved significant milestones, including a widely viewed speech addressing poverty. However, the pressures of public life led to severe anxiety, with Black detailing incidents that compelled her to take leave from her parliamentary duties, resulting in public criticism. After realizing her challenges were due to ADHD, she found clarity and a sense of self-acceptance.
In her time as an MP, Black witnessed the harmful dynamics within her party, contributing to a drop in their parliamentary representation. She attributes this to internal conflicts and the concentration of power among key party figures, which stifled dissent and communication.
Black’s experience also extends to facing harassment online, putting immense strain on her mental health. She frequently received threats and hateful comments, culminating in police involvement for her safety. Despite these struggles, she continuously advocates for a more supportive political culture and reflects on how her own personal evolution led her to step back from politics to focus on her mental well-being.
In her new chapter away from Westminster, Black cherishes mundane activities like walking her dog, emphasizing that her well-being took precedence over public service. Her story reveals the importance of understanding personal struggles and the need for compassion in political environments.