Media reporting on mental health

We know that the media has the power to shape and influence public attitudes, which is why responsible reporting on mental health is so important. While we’ve come a long way in recent years, we sadly still see media coverage that fuels negative stereotypes.

We’re asking for your help to show how this type of coverage affects real people’s lives.

Take our anonymous survey to share your thoughts and experiences. Your responses will help us to challenge stigmatising media coverage and support journalists to report responsibly.

Question Title

* 1. Thinking about media coverage and reporting of mental health problems, do you feel any of the below contribute to negative attitudes?

Sensationalist language, for instance ‘maniac’ or ‘insane’

Using language in quotes that would not otherwise be acceptable, for instance ‘a neighbour/source described the person as…’

Reporting of mental health problems when it is not relevant to the story

Suggesting a simplistic link between mental health problems and violence

Describing mental health diagnoses in a stereotypical way

Over simplifying or trivialising a diagnosis, for instance bipolar disorder means being happy one minute and sad the next

None of the above

Question Title

* 2. Does stigmatising media coverage, as described above, make life harder for you?

Yes