MEDIA ADVISORY For immediate release
Mental Illness and Stigma in News Reporting
Halifax, Nova Scotia, March 9, 2011 - Stigma is a major barrier that prevents people with mental health problems from seeking help. Many Canadians living with mental illness say the stigma they face is often worse than the illness itself. Does news coverage of mental health issues perpetuate stereotypes?
On March 15 2011, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)’s anti-stigma initiative, Opening Minds, will host a Mental Health and Stigma in News Media Symposium at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“The media has considerable influence on shaping public opinion,” says Micheal Pietrus, Director of the Commission’s Opening Minds program. “Negative depictions of mental illness in the media can play a role in perpetuating misinformation.”
In a study commissioned by the MHCC, McGill University researchers are analyzing the language and tone used in Canadian news reports about mental illness. Lead researcher Robert Whitley, PhD, also from the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal, will be speaking about the national study at the symposium.
Other speakers include award-winning Globe and Mail public health journalist André Picard, two Nova Scotians who have lived with mental illness, as well as a photo journalist who documented her father living with schizophrenia on the streets of Montreal.
The symposium is jointly organized by the MHCC and the University of King’s College School of Journalism.
Who: Leading experts in the fields of mental health, stigma, and the media
When: Tuesday, March 15, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – All attendance and interview times must be arranged in advance.
Where: University of King’s College. Alumni Hall, New Academic Building, 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax
About the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for transformative change. Our mission is to work with stakeholders to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to promote mental health and help people who live with mental health problems lead meaningful and productive lives. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
Opening Minds is the MHCC’s anti-stigma initiative designed to change the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians towards those living with mental illness. The initiative is currently evaluating anti-stigma pro-
grams across Canada to identify which are successful at changing attitudes and behaviors related to mental illnesses. The successful programs are replicated elsewhere in the country. Opening Minds is also working with journalism schools and the media to identify myths and misconceptions associated with mental illness to create a network of change and decrease stigma.
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Contact
Kristin Bernhard, Communication Specialist Office: 403 385 4066, Cell: 403 620 2339 [email protected]
The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.
