
Mental Illness
Mental illness can refer to conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, psychosis and more. Our research shows that there is a real absence of content across the Irish media landscape on severe and enduring mental illnesses. Irish journalists and producers have referenced the lack of clear concise information available on severe mental illnesses, the shortage of people with these conditions willing to engage with the media, and the media’s own long-held misunderstandings about the abilities of people with the conditions.
This section aims to clarify much of those misunderstandings and guide journalists in their coverage of severe and enduring mental illnesses.
Advice for reporting on mental illness

Mental Illness Quick Reference Guide
Stigma & Mental Illness
The stigma and discrimination associated with a significant mental illness is, for some people, almost as difficult to manage as the experience of being unwell.
While there is more understanding around mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety, conditions such as Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, personality disorder or OCD remain misunderstood and are heavily stigmatised.
This has led to mental illness being associated with derogatory language like ‘Schizo’ or ‘Psycho’ and has created an understanding that mental illness is something to be feared.
It is necessary to confront biased social attitudes in order to reduce the discrimination of people who are living with mental illnesses.

Audiences can react to your content in unpredictable, and sometimes harmful ways. Journalists and producers are advised to provide details of helplines alongside any potentially harmful or triggering content. For audiences needing help dealing with issues around mental illnesses you can direct them to:
The Samaritans
116 123 (available 24/7)
Aware (depression and bipolar)
1800 80 48 48 or supportmail@aware.ie
Shine (Supporting those with mental illness)
phil@shine.ie
Grow – 1890 474 474
www.grow.ie
The Samaritans
116 123 (available 24/7)
Aware (depression and bipolar)
1800 80 48 48 or supportmail@aware.ie
Shine (Supporting those with mental illness)
phil@shine.ie
Grow – 1890 474 474
www.grow.ie
About Headline
Headline is Ireland’s national programme for responsible reporting, and representation of mental illness and suicide. Our objective is to work as collaboratively as possible with Irish media professionals across print, broadcast, and online platforms to reduce the effects of suicide contagion, and the stigma attached to mental ill health.


