Some media portrayals make certain mental illnesses seem much less debilitating than they truly are or paint those with mental illnesses as dramatic or attention-seeking, which may discourage people from seeking help in real life. Other mental health problems are presented as frightening or dangerous. For instance, mental illnesses more broadly are often blamed for acts of violence, especially mass shootings, whether or not there was evidence beforehand that any were present. Experts argue that this narrative demonizes individuals with mental illness and ignores that the mentally ill are at greater risk of being the victims of crimes than the general population.