What are the best ways to report on mental health in the workplace?

2 Choose your words wisely

The language you use to describe mental health and mental illness can have a powerful impact on how your audience perceives the topic and the people affected by it. Avoid using stigmatizing, sensationalizing, or trivializing terms that can reinforce stereotypes, create fear, or undermine the seriousness of the issue. For example, don't say "crazy", "psycho", "nuts", or "loony" to refer to someone with a mental illness, or "commit suicide" to imply that it is a crime or a sin. Instead, use respectful, accurate, and neutral terms that reflect the reality and diversity of people's experiences. For example, say "person with schizophrenia", "died by suicide", or "mental health challenge".

3 Respect your sources

When you interview someone who has a mental health issue or has experienced a mental health crisis in the workplace, treat them with dignity, compassion, and confidentiality. Ask for their consent before publishing their name, photo, or any identifying details, and explain how their story will be used and who will see it. Don't pressure them to share more than they are comfortable with, and don't make assumptions or judgments about their situation. Listen to their perspective, acknowledge their feelings, and thank them for their time and courage. If possible, provide them with some resources or contacts for further support or follow-up.

4 Protect yourself

Reporting on mental health in the workplace can also take a toll on your own well-being, especially if you have a personal connection to the topic or witness distressing events or images. It is important to recognize the signs of stress, burnout, or vicarious trauma, and to seek help if you need it. Some signs include feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, anxious, depressed, or detached. Some ways to cope include taking breaks, setting boundaries, talking to someone you trust, practicing self-care, and accessing professional counseling or peer support. You are not alone, and you deserve to take care of yourself.

5 Challenge the stigma

One of the main goals of reporting on mental health in the workplace is to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action. You can do this by highlighting the positive aspects of mental health, such as resilience, recovery, and hope, and by showcasing the stories of people who have overcome challenges, sought help, and made a difference. You can also address the common myths and misconceptions about mental health and mental illness, and provide factual and balanced information that counters them. By doing so, you can help reduce the stigma and discrimination that often prevent people from speaking up, reaching out, and getting the support they need.

6 Seek feedback

Finally, you can improve your skills and knowledge as a journalist by seeking feedback from your peers, editors, experts, or sources on how you report on mental health in the workplace. Ask them what they liked, what they disliked, what they learned, and what they would change about your work. Be open to constructive criticism, and learn from your mistakes. You can also consult some guidelines or resources that offer best practices and ethical principles for reporting on mental health, such as the SAMHSA Media Guidelines, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, or the Mindframe Media Guide.