Media Room

How Mental Illness Is Portrayed In The Media

Post written by Kailey MarcAurele

It’s no secret that there is a stigma that surrounds mental health. There are many who feel that people with mental illness are dangerous, but that is just not the case. There’s a good chance you know someone who is struggling with some form of mental illness. People with mental illnesses are usually functioning members of society.

While we have come a long way when it comes to ending the stigma that surrounds mental health, there are still people who don’t fully understand mental health. There are people who believe that everyone who has a mental illness is “crazy” and that they’re all extreme in nature.

One of the main reasons why people have these skewed views of mental illness is because of the media. You see mental illnesses mentioned in the news and portrayed in shows and movies. When there is a shooting or another tragedy, there’s always a mention of “they had depression” or another mental illness. But, not every person who suffers from mental illness is going to act out and commit a crime. In movies, people with mental illness are often portrayed as violent, but again, not everyone who suffers from mental illnesses are violent in nature.

The good news is, mental health is starting to become more accurately portrayed in the media. The Mighty gives a good list of shows that accurately portray mental illness here.

Don’t let your stigma define your mental health journey. You are awesome!

What shows do you think portray mental health well and accurately? Let us know in the comments!