Abstract:
The term media is an extensive term comprising of various means of mass communication including newspapers, radio, television, internet and other modalities which convey information to the masses. Over the years, the role of media in our lives has grown by leaps and bounds and it is now a part and parcel of our everyday living. Penetrating to almost every strata of society, media is influential in shaping our opinions and constructing concepts around critical themes like mental illness. While media acts like a two edged sword with regards to mental health, often contorting information and misrepresenting facts, it can serve as the platform via which people can be made aware of the various myths encompassing this issue and help break the age old stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders. If only media reporting is done in an unambiguous manner, providing accurate information to public without sensationalising the cases, it can make a huge difference in the lives of people and have them seek help from mental health professionals readily.
