Demand That the Media Stop Perpetuating Stereotypes About Mental Illness

Mental illness and mental healthcare have been prominent in the public dialogue over the past year. Unfortunately the impetus has been to sensationalize the link between mental illness and mass violence.

One in four Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. About 2.5 million people live with schizophrenia and almost 6 million with bipolar disorder. These are our friends, our families, our co-workers. We know that they live fulfilling lives in their communities, but they never make the news.

The current media climate perpetuates the stigma and discrimination that make it difficult for people with mental illness to move forward and discourages people who are having symptoms - which usually can be managed - from seeking the help they need.

Tell the media enough is enough!

The public needs to know that people with mental illness can and do recover. They work, have families, live independently, and participate in their communities. Their stories can give us a fuller understanding of what it’s like to live with mental illness and give hope to others living with these disorders and their loved ones.

Demand that the media tell the whole story about people living with mental illness.