As the prevalence of mental health conditions rises, particularly among young Americans, media outlets are being urged to adopt more responsible coverage of the issue. The increase in diagnoses, including depression and anxiety, is a concerning trend, and experts emphasize the need for careful language and reporting.
Negative terms such as “unhinged” or “erratic” used in media reports are criticized for perpetuating damaging stereotypes and contributing to the stigmatization of mental health. Such language, often used in incidents involving individuals with mental health conditions, can mislead the public and create a perception of mental illness as a moral failing.
Christine Herman, a freelance journalist, emphasizes the influential role media plays in shaping public perception, stating that coverage can inadvertently criminalize mental health issues. Terms like “commit suicide” are highlighted as outdated and potentially harmful, dating back to a time when suicide was criminalized in the United States.
Rebecca Brendel, a medical doctor and former president of the American Psychiatric Association, emphasizes the crucial role media plays in educating the public about health conditions. She stresses the importance of health literacy and reliable information, acknowledging the influence of media in shaping public understanding and trends.
The late first lady Rosalynn Carter, an advocate for responsible reporting on mental health, established a fellowship through the Carter Center to provide journalists with training on how to cover mental health issues more effectively. The fellowship, initiated in 1996, has trained over 250 journalists, focusing on reducing stigma and fostering understanding through accurate and compassionate reporting.
Christine Herman, a beneficiary of the Carter fellowship, highlights the significance of accurate, science-based reporting that focuses on the individual rather than the condition. She advocates for compassionate coverage that includes the voices and perspectives of those affected, contributing to the dismantling of stigma surrounding mental health.
Data from the American Psychiatric Association reveals that 1 in 5 Americans experiences a mental health disorder. Experts emphasize the importance of media contributing to better public understanding, particularly as mental health struggles have intensified, with the COVID-19 pandemic often referred to as a “twin pandemic” of mental health issues.
The call for responsible reporting echoes the legacy of Rosalynn Carter, who, through her fellowship program, aimed to equip journalists with the skills needed to report accurately and compassionately on behavioral health, fostering a more informed and understanding society.
