Responsible Reporting

Mind your language

Certain language can cause offense and may be inaccurate when used in news stories that involve someone with a mental health problem. Here are the most common, as well as some alternative suggestions:

 Other common mistakes:

• ‘schizophrenic’ or ‘bipolar’ shouldn’t be used to mean ‘two minds’ or a ‘split personality’

• somebody who is angry is not ‘psychotic’

• a person who is down or unhappy is not the same as someone experiencing clinical depression

Using imagery

Images related to mental health can be just as influential as words. When mental health problems are portrayed in the media, images used to depict them often include people with their heads in their hands, isolated figures in dark rooms, or individuals expressing despair. This type of imagery can reinforce negative stereotypes around mental health conditions and those who live with them.

Instead, editors should consider using more delicate and hopeful imagery. For example, depicting people in everyday settings or in moments of support and recovery can lead to a more balanced and realistic portrayal that can normalize mental health conditions and reflect the diversity of those affected.

Making a documentary

Documentaries can be a powerful tool for exploring and educating about mental health conditions in depth, but filmmakers must be accurate and responsible in their reporting. Individuals sharing their personal experiences on camera should be treated sensitively and with respect, and producers should ensure that informed consent is provided, including explanations of how their story will be told, whilst providing them with the support they need.

Editorial balance should also be maintained, which means avoiding overly dramatic narratives in favor of nuanced, fact-based storytelling. When done well, documentaries can be a vital tool for education whilst preserving the dignity and well-being of those involved.

Soaps and drama

Due to their wide audience and recurring characters, TV dramas and soap operas play a unique role in the public perception of mental health conditions. Therefore, scriptwriters have a huge responsibility to ensure responsible storytelling, and any storylines involving mental health should ideally be based on thorough research and, where possible, informed by expert advice and lived experiences.

Accurate, long-term portrayals of mental health problems can help wide audiences to gain a better understanding of how they affect individuals and how the recovery process works. However, poorly-handled narratives can risk amplifying myths surrounding mental health or trivializing serious issues.

Reporting suicide and self-harm

Any media portrayals of suicide or self-harm require particular care, as irresponsible reporting can lead to extremely damaging consequences in the real world. For example, sensationalist headlines, overly explicit details, or simplistic explanations can all contribute to misunderstanding and even copycat behavior, so they should be avoided at all costs.

Instead, reporters and program-makers should always use appropriate, sensitive language and frame stories in such a way that highlights suicide prevention and long-term recovery. Media portrayals of suicide and self-harm should also include guidance on how to find support services, as when done well, media can play a vital role in encouraging individuals to seek help.

Violence and mental health problems

Mental health problems are often associated with violence when portrayed in the media, which does a lot of damage to public awareness surrounding certain conditions and can lead to widespread misunderstanding. In fact, research suggests that individuals living with mental health issues are much more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.

So, any media coverage of mental health disorders should avoid unnecessary connections to acts of violence, unless clearly relevant to the wider story and supported by factual evidence.

Reporting eating disorders

Eating disorders are some of the most dangerous mental health conditions to live with due to their extreme physical effects and the heightened risk of mortality. However, eating disorders are often misrepresented in the media, with depictions often focusing on extreme cases and on physical appearance rather than the psychological aspects of the conditions.

To ensure more responsible reporting, journalists and program-makers should explore the complex nature of eating disorders and the diversity of those affected, focusing on the psychology behind those living with them and the potential for recovery.