Now this is the sad part. People suffer without others knowing that they are suffering from an illness. They keep it under wraps because they’re afraid to share it and risk being called ugly words and be judged. They can’t get help because they’re afraid and this is not okay. This is stigma playing a huge role which interferes with a person’s recovery and makes it much harder for those who are suffering to come forward. Stigma is the reason for all the misconceptions being spread around about mental illness.
What the media has done to mental health and those who suffer from mental illnesses can be viewed as derogatory for some people. It is a misrepresentation of a group of people who are just as important and loved as everyone else. Discrimination against someone who has a mental illness should not be tolerated.
The media has a duty to represent their sources with dignity and respect; as a journalist I know this all too well. Misrepresentation is the greatest mistake and downfall of journalism that has been overlooked many times. Misrepresentation is stigma. So then why does our society say we’re more accepting and open and welcoming to different things? Why does stigma in relation to mental illness still exist? MISREPRESENTATION BY THE MEDIA. It is the poison that could be the trigger that can end someone’s life. A life you are responsible for protecting just as much as they are.
So what’s the point of all this? Let me tell you…
DON’T CREATE STIGMA. BE KIND. LEARN ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS. RESPECT IT AND THE PERSON SUFFERING. HELP THE PERSON WHEN THEY NEED YOU. REPRESENT YOUR SOURCES PROPERLY. DON’T DISCRIMINATE.
In case you want to take a look at the article, here is the link: http://ontario.cmha.ca/files/2012/07/olm_stigma_matters_200902.pdf
photography by Emma Tallon