The myths linking mental ill-health and violence have been among some of the hardest for the ‘see me’ campaign to unpick.
Most people who have mental health problems experience symptoms, and gradually recover. They may pick up where they left off, or head in a new direction in life.
For a minority of people, the symptoms of their mental health problem might lead them to act strangely or breach the peace. A still smaller minority of these may become a risk to themselves, the people around them, or the public.
It is misleading for the media to imply that people with mental health problems are likely to be dangerous, or to focus coverage of mental illness on rare tragedies. Similarly, suggesting that violent or criminal behaviour is a symptom of mental ill health is inaccurate, and fuels the fear and misunderstanding that lead to stigma. Open discussion of all issues around mental ill health promotes understanding and reduces stigma.
Download a PDF on Stigma and Public Risk here (330K PDF).