Myths of Madness: Media Representations of Mental Illness

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Monday, November 28, 2011, 7 p.m.
Café Le Cagibi
5490 St. Laurent (corner St. Viateur), Montreal
RSVP: sarah.berry@mcgill.ca

The media can be a friend or foe to health. In the past, journalists were discouraged from writing about issues such as breast cancer or HIV/AIDS as this was considered overly shocking. This situation has fortunately changed. These health issues are now routinely and sensitively covered by media outlets. What is the situation with regards to mental illness? Everyday language is peppered with references to “schizophrenic” markets, “crazy” colleagues, and “psycho” roommates, and the general public often link mental illness to crime and violence. Are such notions reflected in Canadian media? What are the current trends in reporting mental illness in Canada? Are we doing well, or can things be improved?

Come and hear Rob Whitley and Heather Stuart, two of the country’s leading experts, discuss cutting- edge research examining media representations of mental health and illness in Canada. They will be joined by award-winning Globe & Mail public health reporter André Picard, and Mike Santoro, a prominent advocate for people with mental illness. Please join us for a discussion with experts who are taking action on this issue.

Experts:

Dr. Robert Whitley
Assistant Professor & Researcher
McGill University/Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Dr. Heather Stuart
Professor & Researcher
Queen’s University/Mental Health Commission of Canada

André Picard
Public Health Reporter
Globe & Mail

Moderator:

Sarah Berry
PhD Candidate, McGill University/Douglas Institute