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Description
The project aims to research and challenge the stigmatization of mental health service users through the Greek media (language, images, discourse) that generate or preserve stereotypes around mental health per se leading a large population to social and economic exclusion.
The objective is to suggest changes in the stigmatizing media and public speech through training & recommendations leading, therefore, to a more responsible stance towards mental health service users through trainings and use of appropriate mental health language in order to avoid risky generalizations (criminalization) and eliminate their-often unquestioning- social and vocational exclusion.
Implementation activities: 1. Media mapping/research 2. Development of educational tools (π.χ. mental health language guide for media) 3. Institutional changes (recommendations on laws etc)
Beneficiaries: mental health service users, media (journalists, media students, citizen journalists), supervisory bodies
Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health (project leader)
The Center of European Constitutional Law : legislative review and policy recommendations and advocacy.
Society of Care and Rehabilitation of People with Psychosocial Problems represents mental health services’ users in advocacy activities and research
Summary of project results
The project was designed with the logic of enhancing advocacy and the supervisory role of civil society in Greece. It aimed to combat stigmatizing discourse as it was (re)produced through media and public documents, with the goal of comprehending the impacts of stigmatizing language. Stigmatizing public language regarding people with mental disabilities refers to the use of negative, stereotypical, or discriminatory language when discussing or referring to individuals who experience mental health challenges. This type of language contributes to the perpetuation of stigma and can have harmful effects on those affected by mental health conditions. Stigmatizing language may include derogatory terms, labels, or expressions that reinforce misconceptions, fear, or bias against individuals with mental health disorders.
Addressing stigmatizing public language is crucial for several reasons:
Impact on Well-being: Stigmatizing language can negatively impact the mental well-being of individuals with mental disorders. It may contribute to feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek help or treatment.
Barriers to Treatment: Stigma often creates barriers to accessing mental health services. Individuals may avoid seeking help due to fear of judgment or discrimination, which can hinder their recovery and well-being.
Social Isolation: Stigmatizing language can lead to social isolation and exclusion. Individuals facing mental health challenges may feel ostracized or marginalized, exacerbating their struggles and hindering their ability to participate fully in society.
Misinformation: Stigmatizing language is often rooted in misconceptions and misinformation about mental health. Addressing this language is essential for promoting accurate understanding and dispelling stereotypes surrounding mental disorders.
Promoting Inclusivity: Language plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes. Eliminating stigmatizing language promotes a more inclusive and compassionate society that recognizes the diversity of human experiences, including those related to mental health.
By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, society can contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions and create an environment where individuals feel accepted and supported.
In the framework of the project (that aimed to address stigmatizing discourse on mental health and promote self-advocacy) a comprehensive initiative was undertaken, emphasizing training for journalists and media professionals, and engagement with relevant public bodies. Key implemented relevant activties were:
Desk Research:
- Conducted comprehensive desk research using recent media articles and television broadcasts, forming the basis for educational materials and the campaign.
Educational Material and Tools:
- Developed audio-visual material ("Labels are not for people" for the general public and "Print the story, not the stigma" for journalists).
- Established a library containing four Guides on various aspects of mental health journalism and language.
Recommendation Documents:
- Formulated three recommendation documents with institutional interventions focusing on destigmatization, protecting fundamental rights, (self) advocacy, code of conduct changes, and terminology adjustments in public documents.
Collective Processes:
- Organized three round tables involving 11 institutional bodies and 2 representatives from the psychiatric and journalistic communities, resulting in the adoption of recommendations and commitments.
Mobile Application:
- Developed a mobile application providing useful information.
Educational Workshops:
- Utilized educational materials in seven workshops tailored for specialized audiences.
Advocacy Campaign Metrics:
- Conducted a targeted advocacy campaign with significant engagement:
- Facebook Engagements: 61,434
- Website Visits: 10,589
- Video Views (YouTube+FB): 204,342
- Application Downloads: 176
- Reproduced by 46 Media Channels.
- Conducted a targeted advocacy campaign with significant engagement:
Civil Society Mobilization:
- Mobilized 46 Civil Society Organizations, which shared campaign material.
Signature Collection Campaign:
- Executed a campaign resulting in the collection of 960 signatures.
Voluntary Advocacy Team:
- Organized a Voluntary Advocacy Team comprising 12 NGOs, with 5 meetings and a Working Meeting on "Advocacy, Self-Advocacy, and Stigma," involving institutional representatives and participation in lobbying activities.
Publicity Activities:
- Conducted publicity activities including 12 articles/interviews in digital media, radio, and television, 5 Press Releases, 261 social media posts (Facebook/Twitter), and produced 5 YouTube videos.
The project contributed to mobilizing changes at an institutional level, simultaneously reinforcing the pressure-exerting power of Civil Society through specific actions. In summary, the project:
- Facilitated collaboration among Civil Society entities, involving a significant number of them (12 NGOs from the Advocacy Voluntary Team) in actively exerting institutional pressure and highlighting stigmatizing language, while 46 NGOs reproduced project tools, amplifying its impact.
- Promoted collaboration between mass media and civil society organizations to conduct advocacy actions: 46 media channels reproduced the campaign, and 218 individuals, including 138 media professionals, were trained.
- The office''s research documented and drew conclusions about the use of stigmatizing language. Through the campaign, training, and institutional meetings, it contributed to promoting positions and exerting pressure on decision-making centers.
- The advocacy campaign against stigmatizing language had a significant impact: Facebook Engagements: 61,434, Website Visits: 10,589, Video Views (YouTube+FB): 204,342. The campaign was reproduced by 46 media channels, and the signature collection campaign also promoted accountability and good governance.
- The project contributed to actions strengthening the supervisory role of NGOs, particularly regarding the accountability of state institutions, with innovative supervisory actions involving active NGO participation. The three round table meetings achieved coordinated pressure on institutional entities with tangible results. Such institutional meetings can be considered best practices for developing mechanisms and channels to enhance communication between citizens and public authorities.