A CHARTER "STIGMA IN THE MEDIA" FOR JOURNALISTS, AS A DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

Stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems remain prevalent, despite increasing global efforts to combat them. Organizations like the Lancet Commission and the WHO emphasize the media's crucial role in shaping public perception, advocating for responsible reporting and the involvement of individuals with lived experience. While some positive shifts in media portrayal have been observed (e.g., in prime-time TV series), negative representations, dehumanizing language, and the perpetuation of stereotypes persist across various media forms, including gaming and news. In Belgium, a specific incident involving stigmatizing media coverage led to the development of the "Stigma in the Media" charter. This charter provides guidelines for journalists. It stresses the importance of accurate information, appropriate terminology, respect for privacy and human dignity, and avoiding sensationalism. The charter aims to foster an empathetic and respectful media environment, promoting responsible discussions about mental health and encouraging positive societal change. Initial results suggest the charter is positively impacting media reporting on mental health in Belgium.