Author Name:- Gagandeep Singh & Dr. Shikha Srivastav / Date:- 20th July, 2024
Abstract
In contemporary society, mental health issues have garnered unprecedented attention and recognition ascritical components of individual well-being and public health. A significant part of this recognitionrevolves around the portrayal of mental illnesses in various forms of media. The representation of mentalhealth in media, including films, television shows, documentaries, news reports, and social media, hasevolved over the years and has become a subject of growing concern and interest. This dissertation is anin-depth exploration of the multifaceted and evolving landscape of mental illness representation in media,with a focus on its prevalence, tropes and stereotypes, impact on public perceptions, and the ethicalresponsibilities of media creators. The research methodology employed in this study encompasses a broadrange of approaches, including content analysis, surveys, interviews, and critical discourse analysis.These methods are used to investigate the prevalence of mental illness representations in media, providinga quantitative and qualitative assessment of the scope and nature of these portrayals. This comprehensiveanalysis seeks to identify recurring themes, stereotypes, and narratives that are commonly associated withmental health depictions, shedding light on how media has shaped and perpetuated certain perspectives onmental illnesses. Moreover, this dissertation investigates the evolving trends in media representations ofmental illnesses over time. It examines how these portrayals have transformed and adapted to reflectchanging societal attitudes, scientific understanding, and cultural shifts. By tracing the trajectory ofmental health representation in media, this study aims to reveal the broader context in which thesedepictions emerge and the impact of evolving narratives on public perceptions. By examining therelationships between media exposure, public attitudes, and behaviors, this study offers valuable insightsinto the complex interplay between media depictions and real-world outcomes. The study assesses theethical responsibilities of media creators, journalists, and content producers when addressing mentalhealth issues in their work. It critically examines the principles of responsible journalism, storytelling, andcontent creation, offering guidance on how media practitioners can navigate the delicate balance betweenartistic expression and ethical responsibility. This aspect of the research underscores the importance ofpromoting a more compassionate and informed societal discourse about mental illnesses in media. Keywords: Mental illnesses, psychological disorders, media and representation.
