Discussion of mental health is becoming more prominent in the media, but is it being portrayed accurately?
Research has shown that in entertainment media, most of the portrayals of mentally ill people are “violent and criminal”. This is dangerous because of the false assumptions the audience may make that those who are mentally ill are unsafe and dangerous, furthering the negative stigmas that surround mental illness. These depictions are often associated with the idea that people living with mental illness are “outsiders” from society, and are defined by their mental illness.
So, how might these problems in the media be addressed?
Research has also shown that personal stories and positive depictions of mental illness help to fuel discussion about mental wellbeing and end discrimination. Accurate depiction of the real symptoms associated with different mental illnesses is important so as not to exaggerate certain aspects of mental illness to further the plot or make a show more interesting. Also, showing how characters in films and television cope with mental illness symptoms and how they are able to improve their overall mental wellbeing encouraged some viewers to seek treatment or reach out for help. Additionally, showing how other characters in the films respond to mental illness can help educate the audience on how peers might recognize symptoms and help their friends or family who are living with mental illness.
The media plays a powerful role in changing people’s perceptions, both in a positive and negative way. It is important that we use the media to help change these negative stigmas and further educate people on mental health. Mental wellbeing affects everybody and by discussing these topics more in the media in a positive way, hopefully we can create a space where everyone can feel comfortable discussing mental health.
Written by Amanda Chao
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