NUJ Guidelines – Reporting on Mental Health
"This is not political correctness or censorship. It's about maintaining journalistic standards but also a matter of basic humanity."
Paul Holleran
NUJ Scottish Organiser
The media has a key role in influencing public attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing. The media also has a responsibility to ensure that the reporting of mental health issues does not cause harm. This particularly the case when it comes to attempted or completed suicides.
The National Programme has supported the development and production of a guidebook to help journalists report accurately on these matters, using appropriate language to do so.
The Reporting of Mental Health and Suicide by the Media:
- reporting-of-mental-health.pdf [2.70Mb]
What does that mean?
Confusion exists around what various terms associated with mental health issues really mean. Given the stigma that surrounds mental illness and the lack of opportunities we have to discuss such matters openly, this is hardly surprising. Check out our glossary of mental health terms for definitions of some of the most common words and phrases.
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