By Joyce Kantam Kolamon
The Mental Health Authority and the Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at the African University College of Communications, AUCC, have ended a two-day training for journalists on mental health literacy in Tamale.
At the training, journalists were implored to desist from sensational reportage on mental illness and suicide, as they put vulnerable people at risk.
Chief Executive of the Mental Health Authority, Professor Akwasi Osei, said it recognizes the media as a major significant partner in promoting knowledge about mental health, and also stimulating favorable attitudes towards persons with mental illness.
Media depictions of mental health difficulties and suicide are an important element in shaping how the public understands the issues and how relevant agencies devise strategies to advocate and reduce stigma. The role of the media in the production and reproduction of stereotypical portrayals of mental health difficulties and suicide has been of concern for a number of decades. More than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of vulnerable individuals dying by suicide.
Research has also shown that young people often get their information on suicide from the media, and high profile cases of suicide can sometimes lead to copycat effects. Covering mental health, mental illness and death by suicide positively, even briefly, can change public misconception and correct myths, which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help. The World Health Organisation has recommended toning down media reports as one of its six broad approaches to suicide prevention. Though the Ghana Mental Health Authority admits that the media over the years have helped to reduce stigma and discrimination towards persons with mental illness and foster supportive attitudes towards the mental health system, it also notes that there are some areas that the media require further strengthening to achieve the role of promoting mental health literacy.
Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Akwasi Osei expressed optimism that after the training, reportage on issues of mental health will improve.