Experts have appealed to the media to report issues of mental health and suicide responsibly.

Dr Hafsa Lukwata, the assistant commissioner for mental health and control of substance abuse at Uganda Ministry of Health, reminded the media to always use appropriate language when they are reporting on issues of mental illness and avoid words like lunatic and insane among others saying that such things cause stigma and discrimination.

She advised Journalists to report mental illness as a real problem, saying that the fact that there is treatment and care, people who have the problem can be treated and get healed. She added that if the media can portray it that way it gives hope for those that are suffering and at least someday they can get healed.

Uganda joins the rest of the World today to mark World Mental Health Action Day.

The Lancet commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health report which was released in 2022 revealed that insensitive media reporting contributes to stigma and discrimination, which bars people from reaching their full potential.

The report highlights that 71% of people with mental health conditions reported that the media made stigma and discrimination worse, and called upon them to change.

During a virtual media roundtable discussion with journalists covering the African region

On Tuesday as part of work on tackling stigma and discrimination in mental health, United Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) organised a media roundtable for journalists to discuss how to report responsibly on mental health and the issue of suicide.               

Sarah Kline, Chief Executive Officer of United for Global Mental Health explained that "The media has the power to challenge stereotypes and normalise mental health conditions through reporting that creates greater societal awareness and support.

This report from the Lancet is an opportunity for the media to reflect and take the lead in achieving better mental health for all,’’

The report further revealed that stigma and discrimination against people with mental health conditions is a ‘global human rights crisis, which at its worst can lead to suicide by affected persons.

The discussion allowed journalists to reflect, respond and take action to combat stereotypes and commit to accurate and sensitive reporting on mental health issues.

Mark van Omeran from the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasised the importance of addressing mental health positively. He added that WHO has guidance on reporting on mental health issues, particularly suicide.

‘’Journalists need to be particularly careful in how they report on celebrity suicides. Do not describe the method used; do not include the word suicide in the headline; do not use photographs, footage or audio recording of suicide; and do not report on the contents of a suicide note,’’

 He also stressed that it was important not to talk about a “successful” suicide.

Professor Sir Graham Thornicroft, the other Co-Chair of the Commission report, of the Centre for Global Mental Health at King’s College London cautioned media around the world to commit to fundamental change to actively reduce stigma and discrimination in mental health.

“I say to journalists, you must do something different. Don’t be like the others. Individuals should not see reporting as an end, they should see it as a means to an end to either change an attitude, to change the status quo, to reinforce what is positive.” Joshua Duncan, Country Director of the Mental Health Coalition, Sierra Leone said

“This is more than a mental health crisis, it is a human rights crisis“, “Careless language and imagery used online and in news reports fuels stigmatising attitudes, barring people with mental health conditions from access to basic human rights including healthcare, education, employment,’’ Charlene Sunkel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Mental Health Peer Network, Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission report said.