scholarly journals Reporting on mental health difficulties, mental illness and suicide: Journalists’ accounts of the challenges

Journalism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146488492090385
Author(s):  
Anne O’ Brien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
The Public ◽  
Private Interests ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Media

Media depictions of mental health difficulties and suicide are an important element in shaping how the public understands the issues and how relevant agencies devise strategies to advocate and reduce stigma. The role of the media in the production and reproduction of stereotypical portrayals of mental health difficulties and suicide has been of concern for a number of decades. However, relatively little research attention has been paid to date to the process through which stories on mental illness and suicide are produced by journalists. This article aims to contribute to that analysis by focusing on Irish journalists’ experiences of and insights into the challenges underpinning reporting on mental health difficulties and suicide. Despite some generic and platform differences, journalists noted that their output was shaped by a number of factors, which included, sensitivity to the topic of suicide; care for families; balancing public and private interests; challenges to reporting facts, finding appropriate sources and meeting the needs of media platforms; interpreting guidelines on reporting and the discovery of the relative absence of mental illness stories. Understanding how journalists deal with these challenges can help them and advocacy agencies to address these challenges and thereby improve the nature of coverage of mental health difficulties and suicide in media output.

Mental Health Ontologies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janna Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
The Public ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Public Health Challenges ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Way

Mental health presents one of the defining public health challenges of our time. Proponents of different conceptions of what mental illness is wage war for the hearts and minds of patients, practitioners, policy-makers, and the public. Debate and fragmentation around the nature of the entities that feature in the mental health domain divide resources and reduce progress. The way mental health is publicly discussed in the media has tangible effects, in terms of stigma, access to healthcare and resources, and private expectations of recovery. This book explores in detail the sorts of statements that are made about mental health in the media and public reporting of scientific research, grounding them in the wider context of the theoretical frameworks, assumptions and metaphors that they draw from. The author shows how a holistic understanding of the way that different aspects of mental illness are interrelated can be developed from evidence-based interpretation of the latest research findings. She offers some ideas about corrective, integrative approaches to discussing mental health-related matters publicly that may reduce the opposition between conceptualisations while still aiming to reduce stigma, shame and blame. In particular, she emphasises that discourse in the media needs to be anchored to an overview of all the research results across the field and argues that this could be achieved using new technological infrastructures. The author provides an integrative account of what mental health is, together with an improved understanding of the factors driving the persistence of oppositional accounts in the public discourse. The book will be of benefit to researchers, practitioners and students in the domain of mental health.

Mental Illness and the Media: Part II. Content Analysis of Press Coverage of Mental Health Topics

1986 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 431-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Matas ◽  
N. El-Guebaly ◽  
D. Harper ◽  
M. Green ◽  
A. Peterkin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Press Coverage ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
The Public ◽  
Accuracy Check ◽  
The Media ◽  
Selection Of

The public image of psychiatry has been tarnished in recent years. In order to determine the extent to which press coverage has contributed to negative attitudes towards psychiatry, we conducted a content analysis of a random selection of newspaper articles which appeared over a twenty-year period in two different newspapers. We found that although there had been some minor, cosmetic changes over the years, such as more appropriate headlines and more direct quotes from psychiatric experts, on the whole, content and attitudes had changed very little. An accuracy check of media reporting of forensic cases over a 20-year period revealed that when reporters have access to written material, the accuracy levels are greatly improved.

scholarly journals Hinduism in the News: The Shifting Role of Religion and the Media in Canadian Public Life

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Mann
Keyword(s):  
News Media ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Political Dimension ◽  
The Public ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
The Media ◽  
Role Of Religion

This article studies Canadian and international newspaper reports from September, 1995, of the Ganesha milk drinking miracle. It analyzes the chronology of the newspaper reports as the story develops from an account of a miracle in the “exotic” East to an account of a miracle also occurring in Canada. The evidence demonstrates an inability on the part of the Canadian news media to view religion as hard news with broad social and political implications. The comparison with international reports demonstrates that the story had a significant political dimension and was viewed as hard news in other parts of the world. The comparison questions the assumed boundaries between the public and private spheres in relation to religion and demonstrates that such boundaries are constructed through power relationships and the news media itself.Cette etude examine des articles canadiens et internationaux parus en septembre 1995 concernant le miracle de la consommation du lait de Ganesha. Elle analyse la chronologie des articles de journaux tenant compte du développement du miracle de l’Orient ‘exotique’ vers le développement de ce même miracle au Canada. La discussion l’analyse fait valoir l’incapacité de la part des médias canadiens de percevoir la religion comme étant au centre des actualités sérieuses ayant des conséquences sociales graves et des implications politiques. La comparaison des rapports internationaux montre que ce sujet a une dimension politique importante et est considéré d’actualit sérieuse. La comparaison remet en question les frontières définissant les sphères publiques et privées en matière de religion et démontre que de telles limites sont construites par l’entremise des relations de pouvoir et des médias eux - mêmes.

EPA guidance on how to improve the image of psychiatry and of the psychiatrist

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bhugra ◽  
N. Sartorius ◽  
A. Fiorillo ◽  
S. Evans-Lacko ◽  
A. Ventriglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Media

AbstractStigma against mental illness and the mentally ill is well known. However, stigma against psychiatrists and mental health professionals is known but not discussed widely. Public attitudes and also those of other professionals affect recruitment into psychiatry and mental health services. The reasons for this discriminatory attitude are many and often not dissimilar to those held against mentally ill individuals. In this Guidance paper we present some of the factors affecting the image of psychiatry and psychiatrists which is perceived by the public at large. We look at the portrayal of psychiatry, psychiatrists in the media and literature which may affect attitudes. We also explore potential causes and explanations and propose some strategies in dealing with negative attitudes. Reduction in negative attitudes will improve recruitment and retention in psychiatry. We recommend that national psychiatric societies and other stakeholders, including patients, their families and carers, have a major and significant role to play in dealing with stigma, discrimination and prejudice against psychiatry and psychiatrists.

scholarly journals Role of risk assessment in reducing homicides by people with mental illness

2000 ◽  
Vol 176 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen Munro ◽  
Judith Rumgay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
The Public ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Substantial Risk

BackgroundImproved risk assessment has been stressed as the way to reduce homicides by people with mental illness. The feasibility of predicting rare events needs examining.AimsTo examine the findings of public inquiries into homicides by people with mental illness to see if they support the claim that better risk assessment would have averted the tragedy.MethodAnalysis was made of the findings of the public inquiries between 1988 and 1997 in relation to the predictability and preventability of the homicides.ResultsOf the homicides considered by the inquiry panels, 27.5% were judged to have been predictable, 65% preventable and 60% of the patients had a long-term history containing violence or substantial risk factors for violence.ConclusionsImproved risk assessment has only a limited role in reducing homicides. More deaths could be prevented by improved mental health care irrespective of the risk of violence. If services become biased towards those assessed as high risk, then ethical concerns arise about the care of both violent and non-violent patients.

Le fake news e il diritto all'oblio nell'era della Rete. Sulla nuova relazione tra pubblico e privato

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-118
Author(s):  
Francesca Rizzuto ◽  
Vera Sciarrino
Keyword(s):  
Social Role ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Self Presentation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Problematic Relationship ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Media ◽  
Sensitive Issues

This article analyses the new and problematic relationship between the media and individuals' visibility, as well as privacy in the new context of the Internet, by focusing on the process of transformation of both the public and private dimensions. A new style of Self-presentation/representation emerges in the digital communication ecosystem, which presents numerous risks due to online overexposure, to the logic of the show, typical of infotainment, and to the process of social windowing. In the society of platforms and fake news, it is necessary to redefine the social role of journalism and its limits, above all when connected to some sensitive issues of individuals' private sphere. At the same time, in relation to law and rights it seems essential to both develop useful tools and rules in order to defend individuals' Self-representation in the media and ensure everyone's right to be forgotten in contemporary planetary discursive spaces.

A Path to Restorative Justice: Applicability of Mental Health Courts in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-219
Author(s):  
Daniel Alberto G. Guinigundo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Mental Health Courts ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Public

Described as ‘situated at the intersection of the criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and other social systems’ 2 , Mental Health Courts (MHCs) are courts that deal with specialized interventions for defendants with mental illness. Aside from presenting options other than incarceration, they provide a distinct avenue for collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing mechanisms to address law and policy concerns regarding prisoner mental health. Originating from the United States, MHCs offer an innovative and targeted response to the current Philippine situation. While the recent passage of the Mental Health Act by Congress in 2018 has brought the fatality of mental illnesses and disorders to the fore, several gaps remain unaddressed. This article seeks to rectify the existing lacunae in the legal and policy framework by proposing the establishment of MHCs in the country. This shall be undertaken in five phases: First, to justify the needed reform, data must be gathered to determine the number of inmates suffering from a mental illness; second, the enactment or revision of mental health legislation and court rules; third, craft strategic plans to address budgetary concerns, which shall be done through the Philippine Council for Mental Health, as the mandated regulatory agency; fourth, forge linkages with the public and private sectors to increase awareness through advocacy while equipping judges and concerned personnel through a series of trainings; and fifth, conduct pilot testing in certain courts and periodic evaluations to ensure sustainability.

Public and Private Net Savings in Developing Countries: Some Empirical Tests for the Period 1972-88 (Distinguishedl Lecture)

1992 ◽  
Vol 31 (4I) ◽  
pp. 431-447
Author(s):  
Peter A. Cornelisse ◽  
Elma Van De Mortel
Keyword(s):  
Public Debt ◽  
World Economy ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Critical Size ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Empirical Tests ◽  
Financial Issues

The severe shocks that rocked the world economy in the 1970s and the ensuing efforts to adjust and to renew economic growth have had a profound effect on the economic literature. Especially the external and public debt problems which reached critical dimensions in many countries attracted much attention. Thus, in the field of macroeconomics financial issues have gained more prominence over the last two decades. Studies relating to the fiscal deficit have been particularly numerous. The critical size of national public debts, the contribution of the public debt to external debt, the reduced confidence in the state as the guide in socioeconomic development and the role of fiscal policy in adjustment processes are among the main reasons for this increased interest.

Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and strain upon the start: enfranchising the medical profession for clinically proximate advocacy of improved healthcare

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110250
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C L Looi ◽  
Stephen Allison ◽  
Stephen R Kisely ◽  
Tarun Bastiampillai
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Health Advocacy ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
The Public ◽  
Team Activity

Objective: To discuss and reflect upon the role of medical practitioners, including psychiatrists, as health advocates on behalf of patients, carers and staff. Conclusions: Health advocacy is a key professional competency of medical practitioners, and is part of the RANZCP framework for training and continuing professional development. Since advocacy is often a team activity, there is much that is gained experientially from volunteering and working with other more experienced health advocates within structurally and financially independent (of health systems and governments) representative groups (RANZCP, AMA, unions). Doctors may begin with clinically proximate advocacy for improved healthcare in health systems, across the public and private sectors. Health advocacy requires skill and courage, but can ultimately influence systemic outcomes, sway policy decisions, and improve resource allocation.

scholarly journals Burden of mental health disability in Kerala: A secondary time trend analysis from 2002 to 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Joseph ◽  
H Sankar ◽  
D Nambiar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
The State ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
Health Disorders

Abstract The fourth target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 advocates for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing. The Indian state of Kerala is recognized for its gains in health and development but has substantial burden of mental health ailments. Historical analysis is vital to understand the pattern of mental health morbidity. The current study focusses on comparable estimates available from three largescale population-based surveys in India to explore trends in prevalence of mental health disorders over the years and map resources and infrastructure available for mental health care in Kerala. We undertook a secondary analysis of national demographic surveys from 2002 to 2018 which reported information on mental health and availability of health infrastructure and human resources. Data were collated and descriptive analyses were conducted. We compared the national and state level estimates over the years to study the trend in the prevalence of mental health disability. The prevalence of mental retardation and intellectual disability in Kerala increased from 194 per hundred thousand persons in 2002 to 300 per hundred thousand persons in 2018, two times higher to the national average. The prevalence of mental illness increased from 272 per hundred thousand people to 400 per hundred thousand people in sixteen years. The prevalence was higher among males (statistical significance was not indicated) in mental illness and mental retardation. 2018 data showed that the public sector had 0.01 hospitals and 5.53 beds per hundred thousand persons available for mental health treatment. Results showed a substantial increase in mental health illness over the 16-year study period that has affected males and females, as well as all social classes of the state. The current health infrastructure and human resources in the public sector of the state are inadequate to meet the current burden of the problem and to ensure universal access to care for its population. Key messages The trend in prevalence of mental health disorders in the state is increasing across the years. There is a mismatch between the extend of the problem and resources available in public sector.

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