Ever consider the importance that we have as a society today when it comes to influencing media coverage and public dialogue as a citizen journalist? Since power is the disposal of almost everyone’s access to the popularity of mobile gadgets along with the internet, we can say that journalism is way too in demand. It captures footages that serve the interest of the public. Aside from that, the sharing of its news in social media and its platforms are very accessible. So how do therapists look at its value concerning sharing information about mental health issues?
It Serves Its Purpose
A lot of people are either ignorant or aware of mental health issues. Though alot understand that “Suffering has complicated factors that interface including: physical, psychological, social, emotional and neurological.” Karen Doll, Psy.D., L.P. says. Some are not adequately educated with stuff while others are trying their best to learn more about it. But even though there are tons of resources that people can use, there are still instances that information needs proof and validation. That is because it is human nature to pay attention only if they see it happening or they are experiencing it first-hand. So concerning mental health problems, most individuals are still questioning its existence, cause, and likely results. That is the reason why citizen journaling becomes handy.
Recent incidents, stories, and cases of mental illness that are worthy of public attention are the things that citizen journalists with citizen journalism ethics take into account these days. Yes, some are still concern about some instances of road rage, local issues, and even neighborhood development. But the great thing about delivering mental health news to the community is its awareness. When people can get a grip of what is currently happening in the healthcare sections, it allows them to talk about it more often. It provides information to everyone who knows nothing about significant mental health issues as well. From there, the whole exchange of information which started from a concerned citizen can open a substantial value to every community’s desired resolution. Deborah Serani, PsyD used to say, “A mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn’t give it the slip either.” And she’s right.
The Downside
Professional experts, along with the public, value citizen journalism. That is because of its potential to educate people in an instant. The whole idea is not time-bounded, it does not limit its scope to what is only available, and it is not that hard to process. Citizen journalism can reach a vast audience in no time. However, though its purpose was solely for the benefit of public information, there are cases that it somehow becomes the cause of the problem.
When citizen journalism starts to become selfish, the totality of its purpose gets corrupted. That explains why sometimes some individuals who can share information use their power to control the news. And because their main goal is only to get viral, the quality and credibility of these people’s journalism create chaos. Meaning, instead of the public receiving awareness, they tend to suffer in fear and anxiety. When that particular thing happens, the community starts to collapse. There will be no truths behind information, and there will be no resolutions in every problem.
Insight
Since we are individuals who use different types of media and social platforms, we understand the need for credibility. Our eagerness to know things around us is what makes us active in community participation. It is our way of contributing something to the betterment of our society. With that, all of us need to become responsible for creating, sharing, and spreading information. Because the truth is, citizen journaling is not just a journalist’s task. All of us are responsible for taking actions for our community development. As for mental health awareness, there are still a lot of cases and conditions like anxiety, bipolar, depression, PTSD, and more that people are still trying to understand. Everyone no matter the age, status, and race can be prone to having mental disorders, there are even famous people with depression despite their success. Professional journalists or not, part of the responsibility is to let the public know the conditions’ cause, effect, and treatment. “Awareness is the beginning of all change.” And Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT is correct with that statement.
In today’s generation, the way we report the news is entirely accessible and unfathomable. Sharing information to everybody can happen in just the tip of a finger. The small devices we have partnered with the internet can make a lot of difference. But again, as aspiring citizen journalists, we need to know where we want our news to go. We have to always aim for action and response. That even if the story is negative, people should get a hold of it to support positivity, compassion, and awareness.