Integral Care

Know the facts

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have one or more diagnosable mental disorders in a given year.
• An estimated 5 to 7% of adults in the U.S. have a serious mental illness in a given year.
• Research shows people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than commit violent acts.
• Mental illness accounts for approximately 3% of violence committed in the U.S.
• Recovery from mental illness is possible and the majority of people live successful, productive lives.
• On average, people with mental illness die 25 years earlier than others, and they die from chronic disease, not mental illness.
• Stigma contributes to social isolation and discrimination and can discourage people from seeking treatment.

Relevance
Consider whether mental illness is relevant to the story. If it isn’t, then focus on what is relevant. A past history of mental illness is not necessarily a reliable indicator and raising mental illness unnecessarily can increase stigma and misunderstanding of the issues. Privacy is also important – consider the impact of disclosure of a mental illness on a person’s life.

Language
Person-first language is a best practice (being mindful of a person’s disability). For example, say “Bob is a person living with mental illness” rather than “Bob is mentally ill”. Bob is a person who happens to have a mental illness, he is not his mental illness.

Sensitivities
Write with awareness that people with mental illness face prejudice and discrimination. Avoid using stereotypical words or phrases in describing people with mental illness. Be sensitive when using photographs for stories involving mental health issues. When possible, emphasize that treatment is available and effective, recovery happens and prevention works.

Sources
New information in this area is continuously emerging. Ensure that sources are reliable and have current up-to-date information to share.

Violence
Avoid using language that implies people with mental illness are violent. In stories on mental illness and violence, provide context whenever possible. Most people with mental illness are no more likely to commit violent crimes than a person who has not been diagnosed with mental illness. If there was a violent crime associated with your story, verify statements that mental illness is a factor before including it.