The world of media is like a carnival of ideas, emotions, and stories. It’s a bit like a funhouse mirror, bending and distorting our understanding of what mental health truly is. Whether it’s the larger-than-life portrayals of heroes with superpowers, or the quirky characters in our favorite sitcoms, the media has a way of painting mental health in vivid, sometimes absurd, colors.
Now, the media is also a mental health game-changer! Thanks to movies and TV, we’re talking openly and accepting mental health. It has made a positive impact and created somewhat of a supportive/community vibe. But hey, that’s not the whole picture. These portrayals can often be a little wobbly on accuracy.
To really get it, looking into expert-written or verified pieces, reading experiences of individuals and a lot of well-informed digging deep might be needed.
Think of it as a puzzle with many pieces to explore! So, let’s start by going into this article and exploring the influence of the media on how we perceive the mysteries of the human mind. From Hollywood blockbusters to viral instagram trends, it’s all part of the grand show, and we’re about to unveil the secrets behind the curtain. Buckle up for an entertaining exploration of how the media shapes the way we think, feel, and laugh about mental health!
Here Are Some Ways In Which The Media Can Influence Our Perceptions Of Mental Health:
Stigmatization or Reduction of Stigma:
- Media plays a big role in fighting mental health stigma. Movies and shows can sometimes mess it up, spreading misunderstandings and making it hard for folks to seek help. For example, “Split” (2016) makes DID look scary, feeding stereotypes. “Judgmentall Hai Kya” (2019) got heat for its title and how it handled mental health.
- But the good news is, when the media gets it right, it makes a huge difference! Stories that show real people with mental health challenges help break down stereotypes and lead to more open conversations. “Silver Linings Playbook” is a great example of getting it right, and “Euphoria” does a good job too. Let’s keep it up and create a kinder, more understanding world for everyone.
Sensationalism:
- Oh, the media loves a good dramatic twist, especially when it’s about mental health! They sometimes go a little overboard, especially when it involves extreme or violent actions by individuals with mental illnesses. It can make things look a bit, well, too sensational. It’s like they’re making a suspense movie out of real life!
- Take “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” (2007), for example. It’s a mix of horror and comedy, and it turns the character’s dissociative identity disorder into a big show for laughs. But that just adds to the whole stereotype parade!
Misinformation:
- The media can be a bit like a game of “Telephone” when it comes to mental health info! They love wild headlines, sometimes make things up, and tend to oversimplify.
- Take “Homeland” (2011-2020), for example. They took bipolar disorder and turned it into a superhero origin story with erratic and violent behavior. But that’s not how it goes down in the real world! Let’s keep our mental health facts straight and kick those myths to the curb!
- For accurate and in-depth information about mental health, you can try to explore the wealth of knowledge within the blogs and articles on the Let’sGetHappi website. Our team of professionals in the field has crafted these resources, ensuring you get the right insights and valuable guidance. It’s your one-stop shop for the real information on mental health!
Influence on Help-Seeking Behavior:
- Media plays the mental health influencer role, and it’s got some big moves! When they show folks seeking help and getting better, it’s like a cheerleader for therapy.
- Check out “Dear Zindagi” (2016) – it’s all about a young woman embracing therapy and promotes the idea that seeking professional help for mental health is a positive step.
- But beware, if the media makes seeking help look bad, it’s a buzzkill. Take “Girl, Interrupted” (1999), for instance. It focuses on mental health, sure, but depicts a psychiatric hospital as more of a scary place rather than normalizing it like any other medical center. Not a great motivator, right? That’s why it’s important to find the right reference and be aware of the not so great ones.
Celebrity Influence:
- It goes without saying celebrities have a lot of power and influence, but like said in Spiderman, with great power.. comes great responsibility.
- Deepika Padukone, beloved and renowned bollywood heroine is known for publically, fighting stigma and sharing her own journey with depression. She even started The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which is all about crushing mental health myths.
- But, sometimes things go off the rails! Like Karan Johar’s “Koffee With Karan” moment. He got his wires crossed about who prescribes meds. Psychologists can’t do it, but psychiatrists can. Let’s keep the mental health facts flowing and stay on the right track!
- Speaking of which, have you heard that Sunil Shetty is the brand ambassador for LetsGetHappi?! He’s another example of positive celebrity influence. Using his reach to normalize and spread word on mental health while also making it easier for folks to access affordable therapy through the app and makes sure everyone can find their happy place!
Awareness and Education:
- The media can also be like a superhero when it comes to mental health! They can spread the word through news stories, documentaries, and expert interviews, shining a light on mental health. This way, we all get a crash course in understanding mental health.
- “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), for one, is a classic that asks big questions about mental health treatment and reminds us that kindness and respect are key. Let’s keep engaging in the mental health conversation!
Realistic Understanding of Mental Health and Illness:
- Well-researched and realistic depictions can actually provide good insight into real-world experiences of those with mental health conditions.
- Take “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020), a Korean drama that is praised for its sensitive and well-researched portrayal of mental health issues. It’s all about mental health and doing it right, showing what it’s really like. The characters’ stories teach us to be understanding, empathetic, and seek help when needed.
Portrayal of treatment:
- From portrayal of illness to that of its treatment, the media has done it all. Sometimes as more of a quick fix but hold your horses (pun intended); because animations such as “BoJack Horseman” (2014-2020) “Undone” (2019) are here to shake things up!
- The character Diane Nguyen from “BoJack Horseman” is seen taking on therapy in a quirky and thoughtful way. And then there’s “Undone” (2019) with its supernatural twists. It’s like therapy with a twist of time loops and family history, giving us a real peek into the therapeutic world.
Social Media and Peer Influence:
The Positive Impact: Breaking Stigmas and Building Communities
- One of the most significant advantages of social media is its power to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health.
- Platforms like Instagram become vibrant spaces filled with inspiration. Here, you’ll find numerous accounts, campaigns, and hashtags dedicated to mental wellness. They offer a daily dose of positivity, featuring realistic routines, motivational quotes, and inspiring recovery stories.
- These platforms create a sense of belonging, where individuals can join a ‘cool mental health club’, finding solidarity and understanding in shared experiences.
The Challenges: Unrealistic Standards and the Comparison Game
- However, social media also has its pitfalls. It often becomes a breeding ground for unattainable standards, where the curated and polished content leads to the infamous “comparison game.”
- This can have a detrimental effect on mental well-being, as users might feel pressured to match up to these unrealistic ideals or feel inadequate when their reality doesn’t align with what they see online.
- It’s important to remember that social media often highlights the best moments, glossing over the everyday struggles and complexities of real life.
Staying Grounded: Fostering a Supportive Environment
- To counteract these challenges, it’s crucial to cultivate a social media environment that is authentic, kind, and supportive.
- Encouraging real conversations, sharing both triumphs and struggles can make social media a healthier space for everyone.
- A prime example of a positive space on social media is the Let’sGetHappi Instagram page. This page serves as a hub for light-hearted mental health awareness. It’s a place where you can explore diverse perspectives, learn new coping strategies, and feel less alone in your journey. By hitting the follow button, you’re not just keeping up with a page – you’re joining a movement towards better mental well-being.
To wrap it up, the way the media shows mental health is a mix of good and not-so-good. It’s great when it helps us learn and support each other, but not so much when it spreads the wrong ideas. We all need to work on telling stories about mental health that are true to life and avoid the ones that just make things worse. The goal is to use the media to spread understanding and kindness about mental health. Read blogs on legitimate websites, recommend some of the above mentioned or your personal favorite movies/tv shows with realistic portrayals and most of all, use media to support yourself and other people in normalizing mental health.