4 Ways Creatives Can Help Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health
The media industry has historically struggled to portray mental illnesses and health challenges accurately, often misrepresenting them and using them as a source of poor humor. As a result, those who are struggling don't feel seen or understood due to the stigma perpetuated by movies and TV shows. However, there is a positive change happening, especially in TV shows that incorporate characters from diverse backgrounds. Shows like A Million Little Things, Ginny and Georgia, In Treatment, and Insecure have done a great job of portraying mental health situations, conditions, and diagnoses in a genuine and factual way. This has led to people feeling more comfortable discussing their challenges and pursuing treatment.
If you're a writer, producer, director, actor, or play any role in media that involves incorporating stories about mental health, here are four ways you can help reduce the stigma of mental health.
1. Develop characters with a realistic and empathetic portrayal of their challenges:
Characters with mental health challenges should be portrayed holistically, showcasing their experiences beyond just their symptoms. While they may experience symptoms related to their diagnoses, it is important to include the support, care, and nurturance that they often receive. Realistic stories provide an opportunity for viewers to understand the fullness of the characters' lives, rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of their disorder.
2. Avoid harmful stereotypes:
Media often perpetuates inaccurate stereotypes about mental health. Characters like "The Psychotic Killer" or "The Mean & Manipulative Person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)" are common examples. However, it is important to note that the majority of people who experience periods of psychosis are not violent, and the concern is more about their own safety rather than harming others. Similarly, individuals with BPD are often mischaracterized as conniving, manipulative, and self-serving. In reality, people with this disorder can experience intense emotions but are also capable of being loving, nurturing, and sensitive to others' needs.
3. Include a healthy portrayal of treatment providers:
Gone are the days when people with mental health conditions were locked away forever in a dreaded "insane asylum" with evil psychiatrists performing unethical treatments against their patients' will. Contrary to popular belief, most mental health providers are not unethical, harsh, or incompetent. There has been a movement to ensure that the field of mental health employs individuals from diverse backgrounds who are caring, competent, and genuinely committed to helping people.
4. Work with a culturally competent mental health consultant:
Negative attitudes and beliefs towards people with mental health conditions are unfortunately common, leading to many misconceptions and stereotypes. Additionally, the lack of research supporting diverse communities can influence what is reflected in the media. To accurately portray mental health, the best approach is to hire an experienced mental health provider who is culturally competent. They can ensure that your film or TV show depicts mental health issues accurately and holistically.
By following these four guidelines, creatives in the media industry can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Through realistic and empathetic portrayals, avoidance of harmful stereotypes, positive depictions of treatment providers, and collaboration with mental health consultants, we can create a more inclusive and accurate representation of mental health in media. Let's strive to promote understanding, empathy, and support for those who are struggling with mental health challenges.