Why is journalism important for mental health literacy?
Blog written by the psychologists at Psinove. We explore topics related to psychology and psychotherapy, daily challenges, and reflections.
Historically, journalism has developed alongside democracy or even with it. Journalism represents the dissemination of information and the creation of ways to access it, a fundamental point of a mature democracy: the premise that everyone has access to free, clear, and truthful information. When there is turbulence in the world of journalism, these functions are compromised, along with the news, investigations, and opinions of those who work journalistically.
In recent years, we have witnessed various pressures and constraints on journalistic freedom. Added to this is the hindrance of living conditions that affect us all and affect people's lives and the functioning of companies in general. Journalists are not exempt from this. This week, we learned about another collective dismissal at the Global Media group, which triggered another strike by journalists. It is a regrettable situation that undermines the fundamental function of journalistic thought and activity.
Mental and psychological health is currently highly exposed in the media - also greatly provoked by journalism during the pandemic and its aftermath. With the strong current dissemination, mental health has become a widely discussed topic. This means that many talk about it, and many others absorb its information. Whether they speak correctly, or fully understand what they say, or whether they are understood and perceived, is another matter.
Those who disseminate journalistic pieces, more than just talking about Mental Health, have a crucial role in verifying the information that is developed and in how it is promoted. And it has been an important role in disseminating and affirming psychological science and good mental health practices.
More and more pseudo-scientists are emerging, who use psychological terms to assert themselves, but ultimately only use the proverb "we all have a little bit of doctors and crazy people". They say extremes to shock, banal phrases as universal truths, invent connections and consequences that do not exist, and symptoms that have never been described. Just saying "mental health" or "psychological" makes them feel understood. But it's not quite like that.
The journalistic scrutiny allows the dissemination of scientific and psychological truth, the promotion of truth based on the research and practices of specialists and professionals, as well as the differentiation between possible paths to think about Psychology and psychological well-being.
Healthy journalism is one that enables precise and accessible information to those seeking it, creating an environment of trust and security for the reader, allowing them to question and think outside the context, opining with firmness and arguments. Accessible language is crucial for the correct perception and acquisition of the information to be transmitted, as there are complex issues that, journalistically, are conveyed more simply.
The dissemination of forms of mental and psychological health, in different areas of life and everyday life, is important for creating alerts for their existence and importance in the daily well-being of individuals. In this context, the dissemination of practices, what to do when mental and psychological health is conditioned, and what types of treatments and forms of intervention exist, from daily problems to disorders that condition the entire functioning of life.
I conclude with what seems to me to be the main role that journalism has had towards Mental and Psychological Health: reducing stigma.
Speaking assertively and carefully, with precise and descriptive examples, is fundamental to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Sharing stories, examples of clinical pictures, of overcoming and adaptation to daily functioning, as well as the implication of changes around us in our health, are ways to promote the adequate understanding of mental health that makes it for everyone.
In this way, journalism helps to enhance individual awareness of these topics, representing a pillar for the notion of truthfulness of information. It allows for more attention to certain themes and aspects of life, to self-care necessary for mental health, to warning signs when this promotion does not exist, and to indicate paths through described experiences. In essence, journalism can help in public education, normalizing and raising awareness.
In summary, journalism plays a fundamental role in promoting literacy in mental and psychological health. It provides accurate information, combats stigma and misinformation, increases awareness of various issues, and connects people in attention and care for their mental health.
Article published in Sapo 24
