Mental Health in Media

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the media portrayal of mental illness has been biased and heavily stereotyped. Experts analysing these misinterpretations have concluded that a character battling a mental illness is ten times more likely to commit a violent crime than other characters. Similarly, they are up to twenty times more likely to commit a violent crime than someone with a mental issue would in real life.

Mentioned below are some additional misinterpretations of mental health in the media:

People with mental illness are violent.

Mental illness is often the focus of the news as a primary cause of violence. The truth, however, is that such people are at a higher risk of being victims of violent crimes than committing them. Yet, most films and TV series portray people with mental health issues as unpredictably violent.

People with mental illness look different.

In every movie or drama, a character with a mental illness has a similar clichéd appearance with features like messy hair or crazy eyes. In reality, most people with mental health illnesses look very much like ordinary people. They are well-kept and tidy and free from the stereotypes of the media.

All mental health disorders are the same and extreme.

It is not uncommon to notice how media often generalises mental health illness, clumping all disorders in the same category. It also makes people falsely believe that all mental issues are equally extreme and force victims to practice harmful, violent, or ‘crazy’ behaviours. The reality is quite the opposite of these factors, as the majority of such people in real life do not experience extreme symptoms so commonly. A person with schizophrenia, for example, can live a normal life without indulging in violent crimes or experiencing psychotic episodes for months or even years with the help of medication and therapy.

People with mental illness never recover.

Characters with mental health disorders in TV shows and films rarely recover. The relief is only temporary, even if they make it out of the illness. Such a depiction makes the general public believe there is no hope for such people. In reality, medication, therapy, and support from loved ones can boost the chances of recovering from a mental illness. A lot of people achieve complete recovery in a relatively shorter time and continue to live happy, productive, and healthy lives. 

Mental hospitals are evil.

While many mental hospitals used harsh physical treatments, such as ice baths and prolonged isolation, to cure mental illness, this mostly happened in the 18^th century. Today’s modern mental health facilities are different from the dim, damp institutions controlled by evil doctors, as portrayed in countless films, books, and TV dramas. People of today choose to join these modern rehabilitation centres to seek help and support for recovery.

Mental issues are due to a weakness in character.

Due to the constant portrayal of this extremely wrong notion, many people are afraid of getting the help they need, primarily because they feel ashamed. However, it must be remembered that mental health is not something one chooses to suffer from because they are weak. Many factors govern the risk of acquiring it, such as biology, history of trauma or abuse, and family history.

All people with mental health issues know about their diagnosis.

It is also not uncommon for the media to discount that people with mental disorders do not need to disclose their condition to people around them. Most portrayals of such people by the press include situations where everyone automatically knows about them. The reality is quite different as in real life, many people with underlying mental issues cannot get a diagnosis, and their symptoms often go undiagnosed unless they share them with people around them.