"We believe you can have discussions about these valid issues without weaponising Jami-Lee Ross's distress against him."
That's the message from the Mental Health Foundation regarding the Ross saga.
We have been troubled (as have many of you) by some unkind and sensationalised comments regarding Mr Ross's mental health," the foundation wrote on Twitter in an open letter.
"We are disappointed to see old attitudes about mental illness and distress seeping into those discussions."
Ross was picked up early on Sunday and 'sectioned' under the Mental Health Act, which means he did not go into care voluntarily.
Ross will be able to leave the hospital when he has a place to go with full-time support, which his friends are looking into, but they aren't pushing for him to leave in a hurry.
Now the foundation says people need to take care of their use of language.
It previously spoke out against Simon Bridges' use of the word "embarrassing" to describe the reason Mr Ross went on medical leave. Mr Ross subsequently said he suffered a mental breakdown.
Social media presenter Aziz Al-Sa'afin talks about this and wraps up the biggest trends of the day.
Watch the video.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
