October 7, 2013

reaction to story on number of homicides by people with mental illness

Mental health charities react to the front page story of The Sun regarding the number of people killed by those with mental illness in the last decade.

Mental Health Foundation said:

“At a time when over a third of the public think people with a mental health problem are likely to be violent, sensationalist front pages like this morning’s Sun, reinforce the need for our and other charities anti-stigma work to continue. The fact is that people with severe mental illness are 10 times more likely to be victims, rather than perpetrators, of violent crime

“The serious discussion over the issue of care for patients with a serious mental health issue, and the resources that are needed, needs to take place away from the emotional context that headlines like the Sun’s create. The fact is that mental health is a seriously under-resourced area of healthcare with people often not getting the treatment and support they need in a timely manner.”

Bipolar UK said:

“The front page of today’s The Sun carries the headline “1200 Killed By Mental Patients”, a figure created by compiling 10 years worth of data, and one which encourages further prejudice and stigma against people with mental health issues.

“Suzanne Hudson, Bipolar UK’s chief executive highlights “In 2011 The Institute of Psychiatry’s report “Mind Over Matter” highlighted that almost half (45%) of reporting of mental illness in print media were stigmatising. Two years later a major newspaper once again demonstrates little has changed with its front page today.”

“The article is published just a day before National Bipolar Awareness Day, on which Bipolar UK is focussing on 30 Years of Bipolar and individuals experiences of the condition.

“In the words of Pete ,who was diagnosed in 1986, “There have been improvements such as increased awareness, but prejudice still exists”. How right he is.”