People are riled up after hearing Prince William talking about OCD.
It’s important to note that those complaining are aware of the fact that he didn’t mean his remarks to come across in a harmful manner but people feel he trivialised the issue nonetheless.
Last night, BBC aired Prince, Son & Heir – Charles at 70, a documentary that’s been released to coincide with Prince Charles 70th birthday.
Members of the royal family featured in the hour-long show and of course, everyone wanted to hear what his sons, Harry and Willian had to say.
One topic that was mentioned was their father’s dedication to conservation and the fight to save the planet and they mentioned how he’s a “stickler” for switching off lights in a bid to save energy.
This led William to chime in with “I know I’ve got serious OCD on light switches now, which is terrible”.
We’re sure he didn’t mean to make light of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder but a number of people feel like it came across that way.
Social media users shared their thoughts on Twitter after the show.
Prince William using #OCD in the context he did was far from perfect but I refuse to vilify him for it. We all make mistakes – let’s not mistake a language slip up for ill intent, especially when we know his huge support for @heads_together #bekind #allhumans
— Lucy Donoughue (@LucyDonoughue) November 9, 2018
Disappointed to see Prince William describe himself as having "serious OCD" with light switches when what he means is he was taught to be a "stickler" for turning off lights by his father in order to save energy. That's not OCD & to use the term so offhandedly is not cool.
— Chloë Hamilton (@chloehamilton) November 9, 2018
Perhaps @heads_together could educate Prince William about OCD and how flippant OCD comments trivialises suffering felt by thousands of people with OCD every day. Don't let OCD be a poor cousin of mental health. We're happy to talk to you about OCD @heads_together reach out to us
— OCD-UK (@OCDUK) November 9, 2018
Last night Prince William used the term OCD incorrectly on a tv documentary. Yes this is gutting, particularly since he’s part of @heads_together but let’s use it as a chance to help us! A great chance for awareness raising. It wasn’t meant, Prince William has done brilliant ?? pic.twitter.com/jwtgzcUg4n
— Catherine Benfield (@TamingOlivia) November 9, 2018
Heads Together was set up by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry in 2016 in a bid to change the conversation around mental health and break the stigma surrounding the topic.
This is part of why people are disappointed in the comment made by Prince William but others have pointed out that the comment will kickstart a conversation and encourage people to think differently when discussing OCD.
