Freedom From Stigma

In the United States, estimates are that nearly 45 million adults have mental illness; yet fewer than half reportedly seek treatment (National Institute of Mental Health, 2018). Most people have either struggled with symptoms of a mental illness at some point in their lives or know someone who has. Despite this shared experience, stigma toward mental illness persists.

Perceived stigma is often cited as one of the barriers to seeking treatment (Mann & Himelein, 2008). While some studies show progress in reducing stigma through mass media interventions (Clement, et al., 2013), individuals with mental illness continue to face prejudice and stigma, which in some instances is more debilitating than mental illness itself (Thornicroft, Rose, Kassam, & Sartorius, 2007).

Among the many factors contributing to the stigma toward mental illness, portrayals in the media are particularly challenging. In both entertainment and the news media, individuals with mental illness are often inaccurately and disproportionately depicted as dangerous and unpredictable. This has negative repercussions both for those struggling with mental illness and for the public’s understanding of mental illness. The fact is that individuals with a mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators of violence (Stuart, 2006).

The entertainment industry has produced nuanced and accurate depictions of mental illness; but exaggerated and inaccurate depictions are far more common. Moreover, troubling stereotyped representations of mental illness persist in some children’s programming and movies (Stuart, 2006). Early exposure to negative stereotypes about mental illness can certainly play a role in solidifying false perceptions and prejudicial feelings or actions toward those with a mental illness during an important developmental period. A literature review by Muller, Callanan, and Greenwood (2015) of social communications to children about mental illness confirms the negative stereotypes children in middle childhood (7–11 years of age) are exposed to in the media. This coupled with an observed general silence and stigma around mental illness that they encounter from educators, peers, and their parents can have a lasting impact.

The news media produces some sensitive and accurate reporting on mental illness, but at times is guilty of stigma-reinforcing, negative, and inaccurate information, particularly as it relates to the association of mental illness with violence or crime

(Stuart, 2006). While there appear to be more open conversations about mental illness–celebrities are speaking out and there is a broader acknowledgment of the widespread incidence of mental illness–the depiction of mental illness in the news has changed little over time (Stuart, 2006).

This is problematic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is news media’s identification as a frequent source of health information for the general public (Peek, et al., 2015). The depiction of individuals with mental illness in a negative light leads to conscious and unconscious bias, prejudice, and discrimination.

Mental health professionals and mental health treatment are often depicted in a negative light in the media as well, which can lead to “widespread distrust of mental health providers and avoidance of psychiatric treatments” (Stuart, 2006, p. 103) by those who would likely benefit.

While a number of interventions, including psychoeducation and mass media campaigns, can increase public knowledge about mental illnesses and decrease prejudice, the overall rate of “mental health literacy” is relatively low, tends to be focused on symptomatology rather than broader individual contexts and histories, and has had little impact on larger issues of discrimination against those with mental illness.

To help address some of the issues around stigma, Riggs is engaged in a number of activities including:

Progress is being made, but there is much work to be done. Those of us who work in the field, struggle with mental illness ourselves, or know someone who does can take the lead in providing accurate information about mental illness. In addition, we can point out and correct inaccurate information or depictions of mental illness when we see, hear, or read them, while at the same time recognizing and commending those individuals and organizations that get it right. This shared responsibility can make a difference.