Reducing mental health stigma and discrimination in media reporting

Encouraging responsible reporting to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination

How mental health and wellbeing is reported in the media can have a significant impact on public understanding, support-seeking behaviour and community attitudes.

As part of its role under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, the Commission promotes understanding of mental health and wellbeing and supports efforts to prevent and reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and psychological distress.

The Commission encourages journalists, editors and media organisations to use language and reporting approaches that are accurate, respectful and evidence-based. Reporting that avoids stereotypes and stigma can contribute to greater understanding, inclusion and recovery outcomes for people who access Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing services.

Interim Commissioner Maggie Toko has written an open letter to media organisations and editors, encouraging reporting on mental health and wellbeing that is accurate, respectful and free from stigma. Read the full letter below.

Interim Commissioner Maggie Toko’s open letter to media outlets and editors

Dear Editor,

The Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is writing to remind media organisations and journalists of the important role they play in shaping public understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and the value of reporting on these issues in a way that is accurate, respectful and free from stigma.

Responsible reporting can help improve community understanding of mental ill health, encourage help-seeking and support recovery, while reducing the stigma and discrimination that many people continue to experience.

As part of its functions under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, the Commission promotes understanding of mental health and wellbeing across the community and leads and supports initiatives to prevent and address stigma associated with mental illness. In that context, we take this opportunity to encourage media professionals to consider the language and framing used when reporting on mental health issues.

Language that defines people by a diagnosis, mental health condition or perceived mental state can contribute to stigma and reinforce harmful stereotypes.

The Commission encourages journalists and editors to have regard to the Mindframe Guidelines, which provide evidence-based guidance for media reporting on mental health and mental illness. The guidelines encourage reporting that:

• avoids sensationalist or alarmist language;
• does not perpetuate myths or stereotypes about mental illness;
• uses person-first, respectful and recovery-oriented language;
• provides appropriate context and balance when discussing mental health issues;
• recognises the diversity of experiences of people living with mental illness; and
• supports public understanding rather than fear, prejudice or discrimination.

Media reporting can play a powerful role in reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking, recovery, social inclusion and community participation. Conversely, stigmatising language and framing can create barriers for people seeking support and contribute to negative attitudes towards those experiencing mental ill health.

The Commission encourages all media organisations to regularly review their editorial practices and ensure reporting aligns with contemporary best-practice guidance, including the Mindframe Guidelines and other relevant standards relating to mental health reporting.

The Commission welcomes opportunities to support and promote reporting that contributes to informed public discussion while treating people experiencing mental ill health with accuracy, fairness, respect and dignity.