Trump supporters respond in the worst possible way to Michelle Obama revealing she's struggling with depression

Michelle Obama said that she is experiencing "low grade depression" as a result of quarantine, "racial strife" in the US and the "hypocrisy of the Trump administration".

Speaking on The Michelle Obama Podcast, she said:

I'm waking up in the middle of the night because I'm worrying about something, or there's a heaviness. 

These are not the fulfilling times, spiritually. I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression. 

Not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife, and just seeing this administration, watching the hypocrisy of it, day in and day out, is dispiriting.

Obama went on to describe her feeling as "those emotional highs and lows that I think everybody feels, where you just don't feel yourself".

I try to make sure I get a workout in, although there have been periods throughout this quarantine, where I just have felt too low.

The former First Lady also reflected on the "exhaustion" she feels witnessing racist violence towards Black people in the United States.

Waking up to yet another story of a black man or a black person somehow being dehumanized, or hurt, or killed, or falsely accused of something [is exhausting]. 

And it has led to a weight that I haven't felt in my life, in a while. 

Obama was praised for her "bravery" for talking openly about her struggles with mental health.

But since the internet is the internet, thousands of people also felt the need to weigh in on the conversation by questioning and mocking Obama's experiences.

Some people appeared to think that having an expensive house and experiencing depression are mutually exclusive.

Research suggests that people who are economically disadvantaged are more likely to develop and experience mental health problems.

Having time and money to spend on measures to improve mental health and avoiding economic stressors can undoubtedly help in some cases.

But anyone can experience poor mental health. The suggestion that Obama's privilege shields her from this is unfounded.

Some people also tried to blame Obama's experience on her husband's administration.

'Obamagate', a favourite subject of president Trump, refers to speculation that Obama and his administration cooked up the story that Trump was colluding with Russia in order to damage his election chances in 2016.

The nebulous term has also been used to refer to other supposed plots and conspiracies against Trump.

Obama didn't assign blame for "racial strife" in the US, although it is interesting to note that the majority of Americans say Trump has made race relations in the US worse.

Obama also spoke about how "heartening" the "sustained vigour" of the Black Lives Matter protests has been for her.

And others felt heartened by her openness about her struggles with mental health.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.