London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed that he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the regular death threats he receives, which have
necessitated round-the-clock security similar to that provided for presidents. Khan reached this conclusion after engaging in "talking therapy" with a close friend who is a doctor, where they discussed the challenging events of the past few years and the cumulative impact on his mental well-being. Additionally, he mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic has also taken a toll on his mental health, admitting to feeling demotivated during the lockdown period.
In an interview with The Guardian, Khan expressed his willingness to address mental health issues, emphasizing the fragility of mental well-being when not properly cared for. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of his condition, Khan stressed that he does not equate his experience with the extreme levels of PTSD endured by refugees or individuals in similar circumstances. He stated, "I would never give equivalence to what I am going through, nor would I ever want people to feel sorry for me. I'm very privileged to do the job I do."
Throughout his tenure, Khan has faced criticism, abuse, and even death threats, including from former US President Donald Trump on Twitter. Several disasters and terrorist attacks have occurred under his leadership, such as the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Consequently, the mayor has had to increase his security detail to ensure his safety. Describing the extent of his protection as comparable to that provided for prominent figures like King Charles or Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Khan highlighted the difficulties he now faces in performing everyday activities such as going to the mosque or using public transportation. Even a simple outing to the cinema requires security personnel seated three rows behind him.
Recalling the attack at the Finsbury Park mosque in 2017, Khan shared his experience, stating, "The terrorist was looking for me. He couldn't find me, so he decided to target Jeremy Corbyn and Muslims." He further explained that whenever Trump made derogatory comments about him, there was a significant surge in hatred directed towards him on social media. Additionally, Khan revealed that he receives threats from extremist groups such as Daesh (Islamic State) and al-Qaida, as they believe that being both a Muslim and a Westerner is incompatible.
As Khan runs for his third term as London's mayor, he remains determined to serve a total of six terms. He recently authored a book titled "Breathe: Tackling the Climate Emergency," outlining his vision to transform London into a greener and more sustainable city. Photo by DAVID HOLT from London, England, Wikimedia commons.