Movie and television content should offer more comprehensive warnings to prepare viewers for potentially harmful or distressing material.
The portrayal of mental health in film and television has long been a subject of debate, with many shows and movies often falling short in accurately and sensitively depicting the complexities of mental illness. Here are some of the problems that have arisen and strategies for more responsible representation.
**Problems in Current Portrayals**
One of the main issues is the misrepresentation and sensationalism of mental illness. Characters with mental health conditions are often portrayed as violent, unpredictable, or eccentric, fostering stereotypes that equate mental illness with danger or uniqueness rather than recognizing it as a serious health issue.
Another problem is the lack of nuance and oversimplification. Mental illness is often presented as defining a person’s entire identity, obscuring the reality that people with mental health challenges are complex individuals whose lives are not solely shaped by their conditions.
Triggering content without warning is another concern. Films and shows frequently include graphic or distressing scenes involving mental illness without providing sufficient warning or context, potentially triggering viewers who have lived experience or who are vulnerable.
Stereotyping by gender and cause is another issue, with certain types of mental health narratives underrepresenting women or perpetuating harmful stereotypes about who is "supposed" to struggle with certain issues.
Younger audiences, in particular, may internalize these portrayals, leading to dangerous trends such as wanting to mimic symptoms to appear "relatable" or "edgy," or conversely, avoiding seeking help due to fear of stigma.
**Strategies for More Accurate and Responsible Representation**
To counter these problems, several strategies can be implemented. Collaboration with mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience is crucial to ensure that portrayals are accurate, nuanced, and do not reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Avoiding speculative or armchair diagnoses is also important. Creative professionals should avoid making speculative or unsupported claims about characters’ mental health, especially when these are used to explain behavior or advance plotlines.
Providing clear content warnings allows viewers to make informed choices about what they watch, potentially reducing the risk of being triggered by graphic or distressing material.
Diverse and authentic storytelling can help dismantle stereotypes and promote a more accurate understanding of mental health challenges in society. Increasing the diversity of characters and their experiences with mental health—across gender, race, and neurotype—can help foster a more empathetic society.
Stories should not only highlight the struggles but also demonstrate realistic pathways to recovery or management, emphasizing the importance of treatment and support.
Promoting media literacy can help audiences critically analyze and challenge harmful portrayals, fostering a more informed and empathetic society.
By implementing these measures, the entertainment industry can contribute to better understanding, reduce stigma, and support those affected by mental health conditions.
There should be a clearer system or set of criteria to establish whether a trigger warning is necessary for a program or film. Severe mental health problems can lead to violent or self-harming thoughts and suicide, and replicating these on-screen can be highly triggering.
Examples of problematic depictions include Todd Phillip's Joker (2019) and the television show 13 Reasons Why. The glorification of suicide victims as martyrs may encourage vulnerable persons to imitate the behavior to win public adulation.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is available to support those experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, open from 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
There is a need for collaboration between the film industry and mental health sector to counter negative portrayals of mental illness. It should be a legal requirement for any film or television production portraying mental health to seek advice from a mental health charity, professional, or organization. An additional information button or section should be provided in episodes or films with any significant mental health portrayal featured, giving access to more in-depth information about the mental health portrayals or potential triggers.
Film and television have the power to support suicide prevention, but they also have the power to trigger viewers. It is the industry's responsibility to safeguard the mental health of their audience and portray mental health accurately, responsibly, and sensitively.
- The misrepresentation and sensationalism of mental illness in entertainment can lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, such as equating mental illness with danger or uniqueness.
- Collaborating with mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience can help ensure accurate and nuanced portrayals in entertainment, avoiding stereotypes and promoting a more empathetic society.
- Providing clear content warnings is essential for viewers to make informed choices about the media they consume, potentially reducing the risk of being triggered by graphic or distressing material.
- Diverse storytelling and authentic representation of mental health experiences across gender, race, and neurotype can help combat stereotypes and foster a better understanding of mental health challenges in the community.
