Instead of receiving compassion and acceptance, people with mental illnesses may experience hostility, discrimination, and stigma. Unfortunately, the media is responsible for many of the misconceptions which persist about people with mental illnesses. Newspapers, in particular, often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence. Newspapers, in particular, often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence. Television news programs frequently sensationalize crimes where persons with mental illnesses are involved.
Comedians make fun of people with mental illnesses, using their disabilities as a source of humor.
Also, national advertisers use stigmatizing images as promotional gimmicks to sell products. Ironically, the media also offers our best hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person s ability to cope with life s ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional. With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and resume normal activities.