MEDIA’S PORTRAYAL OF PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES
A Collaborative Approach to Stigma Reduction and Public Education
Psychiatrists might have to defend their practices in court. They also have a responsibility to educate the public and reduce the stigma around mental health issues. We need to dig deeper into how the media portrays psychiatry.
Media’s Power
Media, in all its forms, has a huge impact on people’s thoughts and feelings around the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people watching stuff on streaming services, the media has become even more powerful in shaping how people think.
Media’s Way of Showing Mental Illness
For a long time, the media has shown mental illness in a really bad way. They’ve made it seem like mental health problems are violent, like people going to mental hospitals, wearing straight jackets, and getting shocked. While these things have been around for a while, people are starting to realize that we need to show mental health issues in a more realistic and accurate way.
Media’s Changing Focus
Lately, the media has been focusing more on showing mental health conditions that are more common, like depression and anxiety. They’re trying to encourage people to talk about their feelings, listen to others, and be more understanding. One movie even took a personal and intimate approach to counseling and talk therapy.
Media’s Way of Showing Mental Health Disorders
Psychiatry is the only medical specialty that goes beyond just the symptoms and diagnosis of mental health conditions. It includes all the treatment options, like conservative management and interventions. This is different from other medical specialties like cardiology, where patients usually know what their symptoms are and what the possible treatments are for heart attacks. But in psychiatry, the doctor decides whether to do conservative or interventionist treatment, and the treatment plan is usually suggested before the patient agrees.
What People Expect from a Psychiatrist (and What Really Happens)
I’ve noticed something interesting in my practice as a psychiatrist—most people already have a diagnosis in mind before they even walk into my office. They’re either looking for confirmation or hoping I’ll tell them, “It’s nothing to worry about.” If I agree with their self-diagnosis, they’re relieved. But if I don’t, things get tricky.
Many people think psychiatry is just about talking. They imagine they’ll walk in, spill their thoughts while reclining on a couch, and leave feeling magically healed in one session—just like in the movies. But that’s not really how it works.
Psychiatrists are doctors. Just like cardiologists treat heart conditions, psychiatrists treat mental illnesses. That means we use a combination of therapy, medication, and even procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) when needed. It’s not just about listening; it’s about finding the best treatment to help someone feel better.
I also get a lot of questions about the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. Here’s a simple way to look at it:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for mental health conditions.
A psychologist is a trained professional who helps people through therapy and counseling but doesn’t prescribe medication.
If you’re considering seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist, the best first step is to talk to a trusted doctor or mental health professional who can guide you toward the right support. And no—you don’t actually need a couch for a great conversation!