Current:Home > StocksMitch McConnell and when it becomes OK to talk about someone's personal health issues -Bright Future Finance
Mitch McConnell and when it becomes OK to talk about someone's personal health issues
View
Date:2025-04-16 23:04:29
It's the question circulating all over social media: Did you hear what happened to Mitch McConnell?
The Senate Minority Leader suddenly stopped speaking earlier this week at a press conference, leaving many – including fellow politicians – questioning whether the GOP senator had some kind of health episode.
While his exact condition is unknown – though we know he had polio as a child – many are theorizing and reporting on elements of his health. But is that such a good idea?
Experts say that this kind of gossip could lead to incorrect assumptions and ultimately affect the person's mental health, even if they're a public figure. Still, politicians have a responsibility to disclose health conditions given the power they wield in society. Though it's never polite to discuss someone's private health issues, in the case of a politician it may be more warranted.
"When a highly powerful elected official is observed publicly experiencing a medical issue that impacts cognition to a significant degree, it is reasonable to expect public discussion as well as a public response from the leader," says Laura Petiford, marriage and family therapist and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Mitch McConnell and where speculation goes awry
Many reports have surfaced about Mitch McConnell's health history; for example, he fell back in March and was hospitalized for a concussion. But generally, "we are only seeing the outward symptoms and we are not able to get the full spectrum of someone's health and their health history based on what we see in the media," says Amy Morin, psychotherapist and the host of the Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin podcast. "Drawing conclusions about someone's conditions based on what we see isn't likely to yield an accurate diagnosis."
What start out as whispers – "What's wrong with that person?" – get louder with each tweet speculating on a cause, each TV media hit.
"Once media outlets or experts declare they think someone has a specific condition, people start looking for signs and symptoms that confirm the disorder," Morin adds.
Politicians, like anyone else, also deserve time to take care of themselves and figure out what's wrong. "Public figures, including political leaders, deserve a certain level of privacy regarding their personal health issues," says Brad Fulton, associate professor of management and social policy at the Indiana University – Bloomington. "In general, sharing such information without their consent violates their privacy."
Elsewhere in politics:Joe Biden won't acknowledge his granddaughter. Many know the pain of a family fracture.
Politicians need to be held to a higher standard – to a point
Plenty of medical experts will weigh in on public figures in the news. That said, "it's not ethical for health practitioners to diagnose people from afar, regardless of whether they're a celebrity or a politician," Morin says. "But it may be important to assure that someone in a position of power is getting treated by a professional to ensure that they still have the ability to perform the duties assigned to their position."
Fulton adds: "There may be situations where a political leader’s health directly impacts their ability to perform their duties. In those cases, there might be a legitimate public interest in knowing about their health condition. Yet, such discussions should avoid being speculative or sensational."
Whatever the case, when considering personal health matters, Fulton says "it is important to balance the public’s right to information with the individual’s right to privacy.
Interesting:What are Nazi flags doing outside Disney and what happens when hate is left to flourish?
veryGood! (52)
Related
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- The IRS launches Direct File, a pilot program for free online tax filing available in 12 states
- Untangling Sister Wives Star Kody Brown's Family Tree With Christine, Meri, Janelle & Robyn
- Horoscopes Today, March 10, 2024
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Selena Gomez's revealing documentary gave her freedom: 'There wasn't any hiding anymore'
- These Lululemon Sneakers Are the Everyday Shoes You Need in Your Life
- Mother of child Britt Reid injured during DUI speaks out after prison sentence commuted
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- The IRS launches Direct File, a pilot program for free online tax filing available in 12 states
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Florida teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender ID under ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill settlement
- Man bitten by a crocodile after falling off his boat at a Florida Everglades marina
- TEA Business College: A leader in financial professional education
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Louisiana lawmakers set out on a clear path for conservative priorities
- Messi the celebrity dog made it to the Oscars. Here’s how the show pulled off his (clapping) cameo
- Saquon Barkley hits back at Tiki Barber after ex-Giants standout says 'you're dead to me'
Recommendation
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
Donald Trump wants New York hush money trial delayed until Supreme Court rules on immunity claims
Teen Mom’s Kailyn Lowry Shares Update on Coparenting Relationships After Welcoming Twins
California 15-year-old with a sharp tool is fatally shot after rushing at sheriff’s deputy
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
LinkedIn goes down on Wednesday, following Facebook outage on Super Tuesday
Kentucky House approves bill to reduce emergency-trained workers in small coal mines
Oregon avalanche forecaster dies in snowslide he triggered while skiing