USING SOCIAL MEDIATO REDUCE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

AND DISCRIMINATION

Our partners:

Radio Television Digital News Association

Social media can help bring about social change.

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When do we talk about mental health?

Usually when there is a crisis, such as a shooting or other violence, or when

someone has harmed or killed himself.

The Facts About Mental Illness and Violence

• FACT: People with mental illness are responsible for no more than 5 percent of violent acts in America.

• FACT: People living with mental illness are more often the victims, not perpetrators, of violence.

--National Institute of Mental Health

Stigma and Discrimination

• Difficulty renting an apartment

• Discrimination in employment

• Unfair treatment in education

• Isolation from friends and family

Mental Health Stigma in California

• How willing would you be to accept a person with a mental illness as…– A co-worker? 41%– A next-door neighbor? 41%– A job applicant? 29%– A tenant? 31%– A friend? 63%– A family member? 75%

Field Research Corp., June 2012Adult Decision-Makers 25+

Barriers to Seeking Help

• Stigma• Concern about loss of job or social standing• Stereotypes• Lack of information• Fear• Mistrust• Cultural norms

How can we use social media for mental health?

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Combating Misperceptions and Discrimination

Social Contact Works!

Marketing is dead.We need to create

movements instead. -Kevin Roberts

Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukatafish/2616061290/

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Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Goals/Objectives

2. Priority Audiences

3. Capacity

4. Tools and Tactics

5. Measure and Evaluate

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Step 1: What are

Your Goals and

Objectives?

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Step 2: Whom Do You Want to Reach?

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Step 3: What is Your Capacity?

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Step 4: Which Tools and Tactics Will Help You Reach Your Goals?

Step 5: Monitoring/ Evaluation

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Social Media Tips for

Mental Health

http://www.flickr.com/photos/waderockett/171688464/

Tips for Social Media Content

• Share resources, tips, news, encouragement• Link to reliable sources.• Check links before passing them along.• Avoid sharing stories that imply mental

illness often causes violence.• Positive stories of hope and recovery are

powerful.• Social interactions reduce stigma.

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Language Matters

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Privacy and Safety Issues

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Be Authentic

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/feastoffools/3584066855

Be Relevant

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Love is Louder

Engage in Two-Way Conversation

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gw1/2666052624/

Twitter Chats

Building an Online Community

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallix/2586969604/

Find Your Fans

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lafleur/1350302133/

#TimetoTalk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/charliecowins/2083851923/

EnableEvangelists

#MentalPatientSocial Media

Backlash

Tell Your Story Across Platforms

InvisiblePeople.tv

Introducing Generation Next…

Competition awarding three $4000 Cash Prizes: Film/TV, Journalism, & Social Media

Recognition at the 2014 PRISM Awards ceremony

Mentoring sessions with industry professionals and mental health experts

A collaborative program with Active Minds, a mental health organization led by college students

Curricular resources for faculty and students

(866) 284-9767teamup@eiconline.org

eiconline.org/teamup/gen-next/@MediaTEAMup

Questions?