Journalist with a microphone smiles to an interviewee.

Khushboo Malhotra

In a media landscape cluttered with sensationalised stories, the line between informative reporting and harmful stereotypes often blurs. Responsible mental health reporting isn’t merely an option – it’s essential.

Journalists are responsible for accurately portraying the real people behind the statistics and stories with dignity and authenticity, steering away from the temptation to reduce complex narratives to mere data points and clickbait headlines.

Educate Yourself On Mental Health

Take the time to delve into the complexities of mental health, from understanding various conditions and terminology to recognizing symptoms and exploring treatment options. By staying updated on the latest research findings and best practices, you can provide your audience with accurate and insightful reporting, helping to dispel misconceptions surrounding mental health.

Double-check the accuracy of your information by fact-checking and confirming the credibility of your sources. When in doubt, seek guidance from experts like mental health professionals and advocacy organisations to gain deeper insights. It’s crucial to rely on verified facts and avoid jumping to conclusions based on stereotypes or preconceptions about individuals’ experiences.

Use Mindful Language

Take a stand against stigma by debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health, and avoid language that reinforces stereotypes or perpetuates negative attitudes.

Choose your words carefully and avoid using outdated or derogatory terminology that perpetuates stigma or reinforces stereotypes about mental illness. Instead, use respectful, person-centred language that humanises your story. For example, avoid associating mental health issues with crime or danger, which fuels stigma and misinformation.

When reporting on mental health, it’s important to avoid oversimplifying or generalising diverse experiences. Remember, mental health journeys are deeply personal and vary greatly from person to person and community to community. Instead of promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, acknowledge the challenges people face when seeking support while encouraging help-seeking behaviours.

Diversify Perspectives

Like any journalism, mental health reporting thrives on diverse voices and experiences. Ensure your coverage reflects a spectrum of perspectives, from individuals with lived experiences to professionals, support communities and advocates.

Dive into broader social, cultural and systemic factors like access to care, socioeconomic disparities and stigma to gain deeper insights.

Seek out authentic stories beyond conventional sources by tapping into social media, local communities and grassroots organisations.

Recognise Intersectionality

Mental health intersects with various aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, disability, immigration status and socioeconomic background.

For example, alarming statistics show that black individuals are 40 per cent more likely to seek treatment through law enforcement channels and four times as likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.

Similarly, discrimination fears lead many within the LGBTQ+ community to avoid seeking healthcare treatment. Research also indicates a high prevalence of PTSD among migrants, particularly refugees, who experience it at nearly double the rate of migrant workers.

Acknowledge and address the nuanced experiences and challenges marginalised communities face within these intersections, and amplify their voices and stories in your reporting to foster a more inclusive understanding of mental health struggles.

Respect Privacy and Consent

When individuals trust you with their personal experiences, make their privacy and confidentiality a top priority. Seek their informed consent before conducting interviews or featuring their stories in your reporting.

It’s essential to handle sensitive or graphic information with care, ensuring you have explicit permission before sharing it.

Remember, earning trust and respecting boundaries are crucial steps in ethical journalism.

Provide Content Warnings and Resources

Trigger warnings serve as a compassionate gesture, allowing readers to prepare themselves before engaging with potentially distressing content. When incorporating trigger warnings, ensure they are prominently featured, allowing readers to make informed decisions about their content consumption.

Providing specific details about the nature of the content adds an extra layer of consideration for readers’ well-being. For instance, a warning might state: “Content warning: This article contains descriptions of self-harm and suicidal ideation.”

Guide readers to valuable resources when discussing topics that could affect them. By signposting them to appropriate information and support services, you, as a journalist, ensure they have quick access to assistance when needed most. For example: “If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help immediately from a mental health professional or contact a crisis helpline here.”

Feature mental health resources, support services and evidence-based treatments in your reporting. Highlight community initiatives, support groups, and effective interventions to empower readers and foster positive change.

Prioritise Self-Care

It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that reporting on mental health can take. Your mental health matters just as much as the stories you cover and your ability to report sensitively and accurately depends on your emotional resilience.

Don’t hesitate to take breaks when needed, and reach out to a healthcare professional for support if you feel overwhelmed or distressed.

Navigating responsible journalism on mental health demands more than just words on a page – it requires a genuine connection to the stories we tell and the people we represent. By upholding these guidelines, journalists have the power to shape perceptions, combat stigma and foster empathy towards mental health challenges.

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Featured image courtesy of CoWomen via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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