PM Medicated?

It is only human nature for any ambitious person, whether on the lowliest rung of the ladder or at the summit of their career, to deny taking any form of medication - especially for anxiety or depression.

I had an awful bout of anxiety decades ago, when I had just started a career in banking. I was prescribed that old stalwart Diazepam, also known as Vallium. Even then, and in such a junior position, I said as little as possible; didn't tell the branch manager I was on medication; and my doctor scribbled something vague on the note, like general debility!

The unfortunate fact is that many view it as a sign of weakness. I, personally, consider this to be an unfair prejudice. It is more complex than that, in most cases.

The current Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, was asked by a senior broadcaster whether he was taking medication at the weekend. Naturally Brown denied this. I have absolutely no idea whether he is on medication, or not.

The irony is that he may well feel more vulnerable, now that he has been questioned about it; and has had to deny it.

In the long run, it is most likely the best policy to be honest about it, rather than economical with the truth. Of course I can understand why he feels the need to deny it; worse still that it may all be a mischievous smear.

The PM has denied it; so will speculation and suspicion persist? There are many from within his own Party who would wish him to go; even more so, perhaps, than those in the Conservatives and from within the electorate.