When dealing with a topic already entrenched with stigma and misunderstanding, fair and accurate journalism is essential.
The Press Complaints Commission code of practice states that:
Time to Change, an anti-stigma campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, produces guidance on how to cover mental health sensitively and responsibly. There are two guides:
The way that suicide is reported can have a direct impact on imitative behaviours so it's essential to take care when reporting individual cases. The Samaritans produce a media guide on reporting suicide.
Links between violence and mental health are made often, particularly in the media. It is important to recognise that this focus can be unhelpful as it supports myths and creates stigma. Please refer to Mind's booklet on violence and mental health when reporting on it.
Beat has a set of Media Guidelines to encourage balanced and responsible reporting. As well as the use of harmful images we also discourage the use of specific weights or the lowest weight a person reached and amounts eaten.