How Mental Disorder is Glamorised and Sensationalised in Modern Digital Media

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. However, the representation of mental disorders in modern digital media often deviates from reality, leading to glamorisation and sensationalisation. This article aims to shed light on this issue, and reflect on the common myths and stigma associated with mental disorders. We will also be sharing the initiatives St Martins has taken to address the myths and stigma associated to mental health in modern digital media.

The Glamorisation of Mental Disorders

The negative perception of mental illness has now been replaced with a sense of glamorisation. Rather than educating people about the real struggles, the media often turns mental illness into an unrealistic version for entertainment. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with aesthetically pleasing posts and superficial comments that glamorise mental health challenges, diminishing the real struggles of individuals.

TV shows also contribute to this issue. For instance, the Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” faced criticism for how it portrayed depression and suicide. The show implied that suicide might lead to an increase in the attention received by the individual. However, in reality, people who suffer from depression do not end their lives for attention—instead, they are overcome with pain and complex emotions.

The Sensationalisation of Mental Disorders

Sensationalisation of mental disorders is another concerning trend in digital media. Mental illnesses are often depicted as something mysterious and edgy, appealing to young, impressionable audiences. This portrayal could potentially lead individuals to believe that possessing a mental illness might enhance their attractiveness or allure.

Common Myths and Stigma

Despite the prevalence of mental health problems, there is still a strong stigma and numerous misconceptions surrounding them. Some common myths include:

• People with mental health conditions are violent: This myth is often reinforced by sensationalised stories in the media. However, the most common mental health problems have no significant link to violent behaviour.
• Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws: People often believe that individuals can “snap out of it” if they try hard enough.
• People with mental health needs cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job: This myth overlooks the fact that many people with mental health conditions are fully capable of maintaining successful careers.

These myths contribute to the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems, making their problems worse and preventing them from seeking help.

The Role of St Martins

Mental health organisations play a crucial role in addressing the concerns raised by the portrayal of mental disorders in the media. At St Martins, we use digital media like our website and social media channels ethically to create authentic and accurate stories of our residents and staff about their mental health and exploring how mental health should be portrayed in the correct acceptable ways.

We also have a network of residents and staff, people with lived experience of mental health problems, who have shared their success stories earlier this year through our website and social media channels.

The Mental Health Foundation in the United Kingdom observed that people with mental health conditions were less likely to have a job, be in a stable relationship, reside in adequate housing, and be socially accepted. This is why the work that St Martins does is so important as it gives residents access to good quality housing where staff are knowledgeable and supportive. It creates a safe space for people free from stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion

The glamorisation and sensationalisation of mental disorders in modern digital media, coupled with the common myths and stigma, can have detrimental effects on individuals struggling with mental health issues. It’s crucial for media platforms to portray mental health issues accurately and sensitively, promoting understanding and empathy rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes. As consumers of media, we should also strive to educate ourselves about mental health issues and challenge the misinformation presented to us.

While digital media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of mental disorders, St Martins is making a real difference in the lives of those affected by these conditions. By advocating for accurate portrayals and giving a platform to those with lived experience, we are helping to counteract the negative effects of media sensationalism and glamorisation, and are contributing to a more genuine and empathetic understanding of mental health.

Sources

• “Mental Illness in the News and the Information Media: A Critical Review.” Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1363459318804579
• “The Stigma of Mental Illness in the Media.” Bridging the Gap – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/inm.12941
• “Media’s Damaging Depictions of Mental Illness.” Psych Central – https://psychcentral.com/lib/medias-damaging-depictions-of-mental-illness#2
• “The Media and Mental Illness: The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous.” Everyday Health – https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/ending-mental-health-stigma/
• “The Problem with the Media Glamorizing Mental Illness” – The Prospector https://binghamprospector.org/arts-and-entertainment/2022/05/24/the-problem-with-the-media-glamorizing-mental-illness/
• “Glamorisation and Romanticisation of Mental Illnesses” – Becausementalhealth.org https://www.becausementalhealth.org/post/glamorisation-and-romanticisation-of-mental-illnesses