‘Use positive language to report on persons with mental health challenges’

 The Founder and Chief Exec­utive Officer of Empowering Better Life Foundation (EBLF), Mrs Alma Adade-Prempeh, has urged journalists to use positive language in reporting on persons with mental health challenges.

According to her, language, words and terminologies used in news story reportage should promote “empathy and culture inclusivity” for persons living with such conditions.

Speaking at a media orientation work­shop on responsible and ethical reporting organised by EBLF in Accra on Friday, she indicated that EBLF aims to spark a societal shift towards greater mental health awareness and inclusion, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The workshop was held on the theme: “Breaking the stigma: Responsible and ethical reporting on mental and special needs.”

This was to equip journalists to gen­erate reports aimed at breaking societal stigma, stereotypes, myths, misconcep­tions surrounding mental health and special needs matters.

She also challenged media personnel to initiate more open conversations on such issues to raise awareness and curb mar­ginalisation of persons living with mental health and special needs challenges.

“We don’t talk about it much, but men­tal health really is critical. And I believe that if we are able to cultivate a culture of open conversation, where people can talk about it freely, without the stigma associated with it, it would go a long way to prevent marginalisation,” she said.

“The moment people hear the word ‘mental,’ they immediately turn away. That’s something we need to change. We need to create a safe space where talking about mental health is seen as a positive thing,” she added.

The Deputy Head of Communica­tion at the Mental Health Authority, Dr Josephine Darko, also encouraged media personnel to uphold respect, verify for clarity and understanding and avoid assumptions and sensationalism in their reportage on mental health issues.

Dr Darko urged journalists to avoid giving vivid details on sensitive issues such as suicide, to avoid a possible negative influence on mentally-ill persons experiencing such urges.

“We have to be careful about describ­ing in detail what the person did because there is something called copycat suicide and somebody will take that reportage and replicate it so, we have to be very cautious,” she urged.

The Executive Director, Special Mothers Project, Mrs Hannah Awadzi, also called on the government to make educational policies that can support children living with special needs.

She advised journalists to let their reportage empower children with special needs conditions and their families.

 BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA