how the media could help eliminate or mitigate the stigma attached to mental illness in the mind of the general population.

Diagnosis and the description of mental health issues have recently become ubiquitous in the media. One of the reasons for this new emergence of the topic of mental health in the mainstream media is because of worldwide traumatic events. Many tragic events covered in the media are centered on one or two individuals who have committed acts of violence. Unfortunately, most of these individuals have had a history of mental illness. This aspect of the tragedy then becomes the focus of analysis within the media. From this point of reference, reporters and journalists educate the public on mental health issues. However, these tragedies could be an opportunity to educate the public about the facts related to mental illness. Unfortunately, the media discussions about mental illness often result in attaching a stigma to mental illness and to the population suffering from mental illness.

As a clinical social worker, you need to be aware of the impact of the entry of psychopathology and diagnosis in mainstream public discourses. You also need to think about how the media could help eliminate or mitigate the stigma attached to mental illness in the mind of the general population.