Media and stigma
Research by mental health charity Mind, found that 73% of people with mental health problems feel that coverage of mental health issues is unfair, unbalanced or very negative.
A quarter of the people surveyed also said that people were hostile towards them as a direct result of such coverage in press and television.
High profile stories, such as Frank Bruno’s mental health crisis in 2003, are sometimes reported with a shocking lack of sensitivity or consideration for how people will be affected. There is also a tendency for media to focus on mental illness being associated with violent behaviour. Seeing derogatory language associated with mental health problems can discourage people from seeking the help they need, because they are afraid of being viewed this way. This kind of irresponsible coverage also promotes the idea that mental illness is something to be ashamed of.
It is common practice for charities to write responses to newspapers when they see irresponsible reporting on mental health issues. There is no reason individual members of the public can’t also take action to fight against stigma of mental illness in the media. You could write an article or letter in response and send it to a newspaper or magazine with the aim of providing a more balanced and informed view.
High profile stories, such as Frank Bruno’s mental health crisis in 2003, are sometimes reported with a shocking lack of sensitivity or consideration for how people will be affected. There is also a tendency for media to focus on mental illness being associated with violent behaviour. Seeing derogatory language associated with mental health problems can discourage people from seeking the help they need, because they are afraid of being viewed this way. This kind of irresponsible coverage also promotes the idea that mental illness is something to be ashamed of.
It is common practice for charities to write responses to newspapers when they see irresponsible reporting on mental health issues. There is no reason individual members of the public can’t also take action to fight against stigma of mental illness in the media. You could write an article or letter in response and send it to a newspaper or magazine with the aim of providing a more balanced and informed view.
