Media Portrayal of Mental Illness in AmericaThe media in American society has a very influential impact on the minds and beliefs of millions of people. Whether it is news, television programs or films, the media acts as a huge database of knowledge and education. It is both an auditory and visual database that can imprint images and ideas into people's minds. Even if the individual has no prior exposure or knowledge of something, media can project itself into people's minds and leave a lasting impression. While people are obviously aware of what they are listening to or watching, thoughts and assumptions can wander through their minds without even realizing it. These thoughts that come are extremely influential. The enormous impact it can leave on perceptions of America leads to generalizations, assumptions and stigmas. However, the influence of the media is not always negative. In most cases it has beneficial and positive aspects. Without the media, people would be drastically less informed and conscientious about major issues in the world around us. In some cases, however, the way the media portrays an issue can distort perception, leaving an assumption instead of a factual concept. Mental illness is one of the biggest concepts that the media has distorted due to most of the portrayals presented by the media. Mental health is extremely important and plays a key role in every individual's life. Yet he also has millions of misconceptions. Mental illness is more common than you would like to believe. In fact, one in five Americans will suffer from a mental disorder in any given year. Although this ratio equates to more than fifty-four million people, mental illness still remains a shameful and stigmatized topic (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). The taboo of mental illness has a long and exhausting history, dating back to the beginnings of American colonization. It hasn't been an easy road to say the least. Thanks to the endless efforts and research of some foundations and individuals, the ideas and functions of mental health have improved significantly. The progress made in this field is impressive and without it humanity would not be the same. But then why do only fewer than eight million people in need of help seek treatment? (National Mental Health Association, 2001). The history, stigma and perception...... half of the document ......hon.(2000, 15 May). Negative media images of people with mental illnesses impact perceptions of America: NMHA survey focuses on entertainment and news media. Retrieved June 16, 2002, from http://mhnet.org/articles/nmha3.htmNational Mental Health Association.(2001). Did you know? Retrieved June 16, 2002, from http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/didyou.cfmStar,SA(1952). What the public thinks about mental health and mental illness. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association for Mental Health.Star,SA(1955). The public's ideas about mental illness. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Mental Health Association.Swindle, R., Heller, K., & Pescosolido, B. (1997, August). Responses to “nervous breakdowns” in America over a 40-year period: Implications for mental health policy. Paper presented at the American Sociological Association meeting, Toronto, Ontario.US Public Health Service.(1999). The surgeon general's report on mental health. Retrieved June 5,2000 from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/home.htmlVeroff,J.,Douvan,E.,& Kulka,RA(1981). Mental Health in America: Help-Seeking Patterns from 1957 to 1976. New York: Basic Books.