Time to Change is a growing movement working to change the way we think and act about mental health. As such, we recognise the powerful role the media plays in tackling stigma.

Media and mental healthGuidelines:

Positive stories about mental health can encourage somebody who is struggling with their mental health to talk to someone they trust and seek help. However, sensationalist journalism fuels fear and mistrust, increasing isolation and inhibiting recovery.

A responsible media representation of mental health might include:

• Sympathetic representations of real-life experiences (e.g. case studies)

• An exploration into the causes of mental health problems

• Inspirational stories of recovery from mental health problems

• Expert comment from mental health professionals

• Discussions about the impact of stigma on individuals experiencing mental health problems

• The prevalence of mental health problems (for example, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life)

• Photos of contributors work well (where they are happy to use them) and show the person as opposed to simply the illness

Negative and stigmatising reporting on mental health might include:

• Inferring that somebody with a mental health problem is a danger to others

• Portraying somebody with a mental health problem as a hopeless victim

• Describing symptoms or behaviours as ‘strange’ or ‘odd’

• Sharing details of methods used in suicide or self-harm as these can be triggering

• Use of disrespectful language

• Sensationalist headlines that don’t accurately represent the wider story

• Stereotyped images such as head-clutching, outdated treatments / hospitals and fictional movie images (e.g. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest)

• Potentially triggering images include depictions of self-harm or images of people when they are acutely unwell or in distress

Tips on responsible reporting

with media volunteersWorking effectively

Media volunteer, James Downs has spoken out extensively about his experiences.

Speaking at the Mind Media Awards, James said: “Some experiences I’ve had with the media have been amazing. They’ve made it really comfortable to share difficult experiences and I’ve felt contained and safe.

“I’ve felt empowered as a result that after a long time of feeling unheard, I was able to share my story.”

James’ experience of positive media engagement includes:

• Being given the chance to approve articles prior to publication

• Being given clear information as to what is expected

• Being given a contact name and number in case of any concerns

• And, when it has been appropriate, having a mental health professional on set for support

Sadly, not all of James’ experiences have been as positive. The following points outline actions that could have a negative impact on media volunteers:

• Being pushed into saying things that are not true about mental health

• Being pushed into giving sensationalist details

• Having stories fall through following extensive and in-depth input about difficult experiences

Fact Check

• ‘Schizophrenic’ or ‘bipolar’ should not be used to mean ‘two minds’ or a ‘split personality’ OR be used metaphorically to describe something with two different sides.

• Somebody who is angry is not ‘psychotic’.

• Psychopathy and psychosis aren’t the same thing and shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Psychopathy is a non-medical term and isn’t a diagnosis someone would receive.

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

• Somebody who is tidy or clean is not ‘a bit OCD’ – OCD is a serious mental health problem that causes significant distress.

• Resilience does not mean avoiding or shrugging off a mental health problem – resilience is about taking steps to look after your wellbeing and reduce the impact that stress has on your life

• Somebody openly talking about a mental health problem or taking steps to build their emotional resilience is not a ‘snowflake’

Mental health language guide

Avoid using Instead try Why?

‘Happy pills’ AntidepressantsMedication Prescription drugs

This phrase undermines the impact of depression and suggests a quick fix

A schizophrenicA depressive, etc

Has a diagnosis of …Is being treated for …

People are more than their illness and shouldn’t be defined by it

PsychoSchizoManiac

A person with a mental health problem

These words are usually linked to popular culture and dangerousness

Committed suicideTried to commit suicide

Died by suicideAttempted suicide

The word ‘committed’ is associated with crime – attempting suicide hasn’t been a crime since 1961

Further media support

If you have any specific queries that are not covered in this guide, please contact the Time to Change media team.

media@time-to-change.org.uk