Using the media resources of your community for the promotion of mental health.

Abstract

The various commercial media offer many possibilities for community education. However, information or counselling columns, literature racks, cable television programs, book lists, recorded telephone messages, and co-operative ventures with libraries are promising tools that are often underused or misused in mental health promotion. This article discusses some practical aspects of using available local media for mental health promotion. Principles highlighted include the following: (1) Positive relationship with commercial media depend on recognizing their needs and accepting their limitations. (2) Receiving information about mental health involves acknowledging personal vulnerability. Information must be presented in as confidential and non-threatening a manner as possible. (3) Non-commercial media for mental health promotion should be exploited.