Media
The media can often create distorted perceptions of individuals who live with mental illness.
People with mental illness are often portrayed as an “unstable,” “dangerous,” and “criminal,” and are thus stripped of their humanity. Examples include portrayals of the “helpless and depressed female,” “violent seductress and “mad scientist.” These in turn influence public perception and thus create environments where harmful structures that impact those with mental illness go unchallenged. In what other ways do you think structural stigma can manifest itself within the media?
share your experience
Reflect on the prompts below and add your story.
mass media blue