Lorraine Kelly is accused of laughing at mental health issues after she criticised ‘ridiculous’ ASMR technique that uses whispering to ease anxiety
- TV presenter, 60, mocked the technique, which many use to help ease anxieties
- ASMR is characterised by tingling sensation and uses whispering to ease anxiety
- Fans were ‘furious’ with criticism – while one said she needs to ‘educate herself’
Lorraine Kelly has been accused of laughing at mental health issues, after she criticised ASMR for being ‘ridiculous’.
The TV presenter, 60, mocked the technique, that uses whispering to ease anxiety.
ASMR, otherwise known as autonomous sensory meridian response, is a feeling of relaxation, characterised by a tingling sensation – it can be triggered by soothing stimuli such as whispering or the sound of different things like crinkling.
However, Lorraine doesn’t seem to be a fan of ASMR, calling it ‘ridiculous’ on her show, after showing a clip of Katy Perry taking part in the technique.
Those on Twitter, who are fans of ASMR, said that they were ‘furious’ with her criticism of the technique, while one said she needs to ‘educate herself’.
The TV presenter, 60, mocked the technique, which many use to help ease anxieties
A fan of ASMR who was watching the show said that the ITV presenter needs to ‘educate herself’
The criticism took place on this mornings ITV Lorraine show when she was interviewing fashion journalist Mark Heyes about Katy Perry using the technique.
After a video of Katie doing it Lorraine said: ‘Welcome back, Katy Perry there, performing something called ASMR,’
However, she said it in a whispering voice then rolled her eyes. The duo then imitated ASMR by tapping her mug, while the journalist crinkled a crisp market.
Lorraine went on to say: ‘Have you ever heard the most ridiculous thing in all your life?’
Those on Twitter who are fans of ASMR said that they were ‘furious’ with her criticism of the technique, while one said she needs to ‘educate herself’
She went on to call it ‘malarkey’ – but fans of the show weren’t impressed with her views.
One said: ‘Not very sensible, ethical or kind @reallorraine 2 talk about supporting people with #MentalHealth needs & reducing stigma &then minutes later laugh at &call scary interventions that supports our health & wellbeing #ASMR #MadPride’
While another tweeted: ‘@reallorraine and @MarkHeyes Furious…..#ASMR helps millions….Maybe educate yourself on the subject before you totally condemn it?’
She went on to call it ‘ malarkey’ – but fans of the show weren’t impressed with her views
Another highlighted that Lorraine obviously didn’t know enough about it and explained how it helped her: ‘Lorraine may not understand ASMR taken the mick out of it. There are millions of people who benefit from it.
‘Feel safer because of it, has helped them over come anxiety and depression. That’s what you have chastised shame on you!’
While another was just annoyed with her ignorance: ‘@lorraine why does Lorraine make fun of everything? ASMR is a great thing to listen to, very relaxing, and helps me to sleep! I am not a drinker so don’t rely on alcohol, ASMR helps millions of people to relax!’
The criticism took place on this mornings Lorraine show when she was interviewing fashion journalist Mark Heyes about Katy Perry using the technique
Others took to twitter to criticise her: ‘#Lorraine just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it’s okay to mock! ASMR has been around since 2011, when I found it looking for something to help my Anxiety.
Another said the technique helped her daughter: ‘@lorraine my 12 year old daughter suffers with anxiety and #ASMR really helps her.’
While one more added: ‘Asmr really helps with my anxiety and helps me calm down due to my disability. Honestly lots of people benefit from it.’
WHAT IS ASMR AND WHAT ARE ITS POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS?
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an enjoyable or relaxing sensation often accompanied by a ‘tingly’ feeling.
A large online community claims ASMR clips on YouTube provoke a response likened to a warm tingling on the skin in some viewers.
It is most commonly triggered by whispering, but can be brought about by an array of stimuli, including gentle touches, observing mundane tasks, and hearing crinkling/tapping sounds.
The sensation typically begins at the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine, helping people to relax, relieve stress or sleep.
Researchers say the feeling can be a response to specific sights, sounds, touch, smell, and other stimuli.
ASMR may benefit people struggling with anxiety and depression, but there isn’t any proven direct evidence yet, according to Dr Craig Richard of ASMR University, an online community devoted to researching the topic.
‘A 2015 research paper reported the 500 participants in the study watched ASMR videos to relax and to deal with stress and that watching ASMR videos had a positive effect on their depression,’ he said.
‘Another strong area of support for the potential helpfulness of ASMR are the thousands of comments posted on online forums, Facebook groups, the ASMR subreddit and especially YouTube videos.
‘Although this type of anecdotal evidence is weak, the sheer volume of it has helped to bring attention and focus to the potential therapeutic value of ASMR.’
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