Journalists hold great power and can influence public opinion about people with mental
illness in positive and negative ways. People’s attitudes can reinforce stigma and lead to
discrimination, which is a barrier to recovery and being able to live a full life.
When handled well, reporting can:
When handled poorly, reporting can:
The guidelines were created in collaboration with media and mental health consumer representatives, and informed by evidence-based practice.
Download and print the guidelines and checklist.
|
|
Need to talk? | Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor. |
Lifeline | 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE). |
Youthline | 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat. |
Samaritans | 0800 726 666. |
|
Danielle Whitburn
Senior Communications and Marketing
Officer
09 623 4810
022 120 3421
danielle.whitburn@mentalhealth.org.nz
Yvonne O'Hara was late coming to journalism, but fast catching up. “I... Read more
Research indicates that uninformed media coverage of mental distress can contribute to... Read more
The Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, released... Read more
How do you tell a story of extreme mental distress? And if... Read more
When Mike Wesley-Smith left his career in law five years ago for... Read more
Fictional characters with experience of mental illness are often one-dimensional, frequently disappointing... Read more