Harassing People in Crisis
It is sad that so many of us wait in anticipation of a crisis. Think back to Britney Spears' troubles in 2008. Yes, she was famous and yes, it was unexpected, but ultimately we watched a young, wide-eyed girl in distress being taken away in an ambulance.
Most recently Amanda Bynes has been reported with mental health problems and has been followed around by news and camera teams, desperate to witness a ‘meltdown’.
My times of crisis have been frightening and traumatizing and I can’t imagine the additional stress of being hounded by the press. If a person is known to have mental health issues, the risk of self-harm or suicide is real. No one needs to be an expert to see that the girl needs help and support. Where do we draw the line?
The Guidelines That Often Go Ignored
There are media advisory services and charities that produce comprehensive guidelines for journalist reporting, and they state that tone, content and imagery must always be carefully considered. Some of these guidelines include the following:
- Reduce news items linked to violence
- Provide quality, accurate information sensitively
- Increase sensitive and authentic fictional portrayals
- Consult people with mental health problems
- Don’t speculate
In reference to suicide, the National Institute of Mental Health recommends we use terminology such as ‘complete suicide’ or ‘taking one’s life’ instead of commit suicide, which associates it with crime. We must also be aware phrases such as ‘successful suicide attempt’, puts a positive spin on something that is both tragic and preventative.
What I find concerning is that many of these guidelines are breached every day and others not enforced nearly enough. Is it time for a media shake-up with more qualitative guidelines that are clearly distributed and accessible to all? Do we need quantitative targets in relation to increasing the consultation of those with mental health issues?
Ultimately I believe we need more enforcement with penalties, forcing the media to follow best practice at all times. It is too much of a public health risk not to.
The media has the power to improve public understanding and attitudes towards mental illness, but that power can only be used in a positive way if the industry gets on board and realizes the importance and severity of their reporting.
Taking a Stand
We must also continue to stand up and speak out to reduce stigma, particularly in relation to social media where control is more difficult. We don’t have to accept poor portrayals of mental health. We all have mental health and it is imperative we all keep ourselves well to reduce the risk of illness. For those that do have mental health diagnoses it is imperative we are treated with respect.
We must all be responsible and mindful of what is communicated because we really do have an impact on others and when dealing with invisible illnesses in mental health, the responsibility is only greater. We cannot blanket the free will of speech but we can flood the market with positive, constructive and informative messages – and I believe good will ultimately conquer the bad.
