Some people are talking sense about depression after Andreas Lubitz headlines

“Many of the greatest, most responsible people have been depressives.”

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A DISCUSSION ON the stigma that still surrounds depression has sprung up on Twitter today in response to the reporting of Germanwings pilot Andreas Lubitz’ depression.

Lubitz was the co-pilot of flight 4U9525, which crashed into the French Alps on Tuesday morning.

It is believed that he had a history of depression – many news outlets have drawn ire from mental health groups in their attempts to link his condition to the crash.

UK organisation Mind has said the reports were “overly simplistic”:

PastedImage-37900 Mind.org.uk Mind.org.uk

This statement has been echoed by many people on Twitter, who feel that the reports only add to the already large taboo that is mental health.

People wanted to make it very clear that having depression does not make you dangerous

Let's make it clearer for the Daily Mail with a simple Venn Diagram pic.twitter.com/9LsUxjqjUE
— Paul Bowsher (@boffbowsh) March 27, 2015

Paul Bowsher / Twitter

Dear hysterical media. I have depression, but I don't feel like killing innocent people, because MASS MURDER isn't a symptom. Get a grip.
— Jen Ronan (@JayRow) March 27, 2015

Jen Ronan / Twitter

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I have a long history of depression why on earth am I ever allowed out? #stigma #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/9FkNGQrJFg
— June Shannon (@juneshannon) March 27, 2015

June Shannon / Twitter

For some, it was a reminder of how hard it is to speak out about mental health

Saying that pilots who've suffered depression shouldn't be allowed to fly will only ensure pilots never seek help for depression 👍
— sarah 🇵🇸 (@sazza_jay) March 27, 2015

Sarah M / Twitter

Others have pointed out that ‘responsible people’ everywhere suffer from depression

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And, as ever, some folks managed to be funny about it

Hi @MailOnline , I have depression but I need to drive my car to the shops, is this OK? Is driving OK? Please respond I am hungry.
— TechnicallyRon (On all the platforms) (@TechnicallyRon) March 27, 2015

TechnicallyRon / Twitter

Whether the pilot was Muslim or suffered depression (or both) [or neither] it's critical we blame Muslims & the mentally ill, TO BE SAFE.
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) March 27, 2015

rob delaney / Twitter

Originally published on DailyEdge.ie

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More: Andreas Lubitz hid sick note on day of Alps plane crash

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