Social Media Users call for the Media to Leave Ian Thorpe Alone 

The media is abuzz today with the news that Australian swimming great, Ian Thorpe has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic as he battles with depression.

Ian Thorpe, known affectionately as Thorpedo, admitted in his biography released last year that he suffers from depression, and in a shock revelation said he had considered suicide. Thorpe also confessed to drinking huge quantities of alcohol to deal with his crippling depression.

It is hard to imagine that the vast media coverage concerning Ian Thorpe’s mental health over the past week has helped the situation, with calls from his manager and parents to give him some space to recover.

Front page headlines for them today, will no doubt play a part in Ian Thorpe’s tomorrow.  When reporting on sensitive issues like depression and mental health, shouldn’t the media take a duty of care approach?

Despite the media’s vulture-like circling of Thorpe, there has been an outpouring of support and wishes of a speedy recovery for the freestyle champion across social media, with many highlighting the importance of reaching out to and supporting those with mental illness, along with the hope that Ian Thorpe is left alone by the media to recover.

“He is battling with his health issues at the moment and he is having a tough time,” Ian’s father Ken Thorpe told the Daily telegraph.

“But hopefully in six months’ time he will be out the other side.”

We do hope so. Get well Thorpey, and know that as always we are cheering you on from the sidelines. We know you can win this one too.

Contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you are suffering depression.