I’ve started this post so many times, I have three posts in draft that probably won’t be published. But with the Jeremy Kyle drama going on, I guess it really is time to talk about mental health.
Just in case you don’t know, Jeremy Kyle is a ‘talk’ show which gives people the opportunity to sort out their problems…in front of a live audience and thousands of television viewers. Trust me, this is no way to sort out your problems. The show attracted those that wanted lie detector tests and DNA tests because they couldn’t afford them. It also attracted those who wanted their 15 minutes of fame on television while having their hotel and expenses paid for.
The show also helped drug addicts by providing them with very expensive rehabilitation treatment and re-united families.
I stopped watching years ago. Jeremy Kyle got way too big for his boots and treated his guests like scum. He ranted and raved at those that didn’t work, adding to the belief that those that don’t work are the scum of the earth. He called people liars and encouraged the audience to boo and jeer.
These are not actors, but people with real problems that were being exploited. Yes, they may have done wrong (and boy did the show do their best to point that out,) but they still had feelings. Feelings that were trampled all over no matter what the situation.
I Had Family on the Jeremy Kyle Show
Okay, they were from my ex husbands side, but still family. The Dad was re-united with his two estranged son’s in the hope of rebuilding their relationship. I guess by now you are thinking it’s one of the nicer shows, yes?
Well, no! Jeremy Kyle took great pleasure in telling his viewers that the reason the Dad had been separated from his children was because of a nasty attack on their Grandad, his own Father. Then he was told on national television, with no prior warning, that his Father had died. There was a whole background to this story that was left out, and what a way to find out about the death of your Father!
What Causes Mental Health Issues
Lots of things can affect your mental health, grief, estrangement, divorce, losing a child, losing a job and many more big and little things. They can all affect a person very deeply. These things should not be jeered at or called out on.
Some mental health issues are not caused by anything in particular. It’s an illness and anyone can suffer just like anyone can suffer from a cold or a headache.
Someone with Mental Health issues, no matter how they start, should be treated with care and respect. They certainly should not be exploited in the name of entertainment.
I’m not saying that everyone who has been on Jeremy Kyle has mental health issues, but I’m pretty certain that anyone put through that experience is more likely to be left suffering.
So, you cheated on your wife and the lie detector found you out. There is no going back, you made a mistake and now you have to pay for it. Everyone in the world knows what a mess you are, what mistakes you have made. No-one will ever speak to you again. You are done, your life is done…. Anyone in the right frame of mind will be able to recover from this. But you’d have to be strong, and some people just don’t have that strength.
There isn’t anyone in this world who is totally innocent. I’m not saying that everyone is a cheat, but we all make mistakes. Those mistakes should be resolved amongst the people that are involved. If outside help is needed it can be found. It shouldn’t be broadcast on television.
What if you take the lie detector and you are found innocent? Again, that opens up a whole load of wounds to be dealt with.
Jeremy Kyle claims to have a dedicated team of people who help people recover after the show. I can imagine just how much they are needed!
Is There Real Help?
Why do people turn to Jeremy Kyle for answers? Where else can they get help?
DNA tests cost around £100. It may seem a lot to some, but not an impossible amount. I’m sure if it was really important to you, you could scrape that amount together.
Private Lie Detector tests cost around £150. Again, not totally un-affordable. Personally, I don’t agree with lie detector tests though, marriage counselling would be much better. Or if you really didn’t trust someone because you thought they were stealing from you, or had stole from you, then just cut them out of your life. You don’t have any kind of relationship without trust. If the person being accused is innocent or guilty, the fact is there is a lack of trust. The person proven innocent by lie detector would always be aware that they are not trusted.
If you have problems there is always someone to talk to, your GP, a mental health drop-in centre, even A&E if you are feeling really bad or suicidal. A&E have a RAID team to deal with mental health issues.
Or call the Samaritans who can help, or point you in the right direction for more help. 116 123
Remember one thing, you are never totally alone.
The reason Jeremy Kyle has had so much popularity is because people love to hear that other people are having a bad life too. But, honestly, it never makes you feel any better just because someone has it harder than you.
Here is a mental health post I wrote last year that offers some advice for looking after your mental health.
I’m sp glad this program has been cancelled, I always hated it and the way Kyle manipulated people on it for entertainment. I’m just really sorry someone had to die first.
#abitofeverything
It is sad that someone had to die first, I can’t even begin to imagine what humiliation he felt, and he died not knowing that the program would not be aired, what a shame. I did watch it for quite a while, but I noticed that as time went on the guests and audience were more and more humiliated and JK was way too big for his boots. He had no right to talk to people the way he did just for entertainment. I hate to think of all the people he has damaged over the years. Way more than those he’s helped, that’s for sure.
I’ve never really watched the show, but it is a shame someone died. x
It is horrid and humiliating show that prey on the vunerable for entertainment. I am glad it has been axed. Fab tips X #ablogginggoodtime
I stopped watching years ago, for the same reason as you. I just feel totally heartbroken for his family, what ever type of guy he was, he was still human.
I’ve never heard of this guy, but we have plenty of trash like that on the TV here in the States as well. I think the reason is just as you said – people feel a bit better about themselves looking at the wreckage of other people’s lives. I think there is a also a “bully by proxy” aspect to it where some get enjoyment out of watching others get pickled on. Garbage, regardless #bloggingggoddtime
It is sad to hear someone has died. I never really watched it as I try not to watch tv in the day so I can get my jobs done. #abitofeverything
I’m glad the show has been axed. It always seemed to be such a harsh way to try and deal with problems even if there was support available afterwards and how it could have ever made anything better as a result was beyond me. It is so sad that it takes someone’s death to stop things like this happening. I think we could all do with being a little kinder, especially when it comes to mental health. I love your final quote – it’s such an important thing to remember. You never know what is beneath the surface and what other people are living with. #ablogginggoodtime
I agree with you about this crap. I have not heard of this guy but we have similar shows like that here in the states and it’s appalling. They still air Jerry Springer I think. I am not too sure as I don’t watch the show but watching other people get picked on and fights starting just to get higher ratings, I don’t call that entertainment for one. For two, it’s not in the best interest of the people involved and it certainly doesn’t help others with their mental health. It’s sad that it ended because someone died though. It shouldn’t have had to come to that. #abitofeverything