When I was much younger, my interests perhaps could have been best described as mechanical and mathematical. I certainly had no inclination towards sociology or psychology. However, a series of events led me along a path that resulted in baccalaureate and master’s degrees in counselling psychology.

For the past 16 years I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental health concerns in Maryland, California, and now back home in Bermuda.

Each opportunity I have been afforded has brought new challenges and new insights, and given me new skills and an enhanced perspective. I have come to appreciate the work that I do in this field and at present much of my work is teaching and providing developmental opportunities for others.

One of the more important lessons that I impart to those I come in contact with is the importance of maintaining an individual’s dignity and humanity. Allowing those things to decay in our thoughts and in our language will eventually affect our actions. This is true for both professionals in the field and the broader population.

In other words, how we think and talk about individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental health concerns, will affect the way that we treat them. If we dehumanise them with our thoughts and words, we will then most certainly do so with our actions.

Bermuda, for as long as I can remember, has struggled with stigma surrounding mental health. Much of the stigma stems from fear, which is borne of misinformation and lack of understanding.

Perhaps that is why it pained me so much to read a story recently by Simon Jones entitled “Mentally ill knife attacker detained”. The language used in this piece was, in my opinion, inflammatory, insensitive and served only to encourage the stigma in Bermuda surrounding mental health.

In his piece “Stigma Matters: The Media’s Impact on Public Perceptions of Mental Illness”, Kismet Baun (2009) says:

“For better or worse, the media shapes our ideas and ways in which we understand those around us. For those suffering from mental illnesses, the implications of the often negative and inaccurate portrayals of mental health issues are significant. Inaccurate information in the media about mental illness, even if the portrayal of an individual is positive, results in misunderstandings that can have considerable and very real consequences. For example, inaccurate depictions of schizophrenia can lead to false beliefs, confusion, conflict and a delay in receiving treatment.”

In light of the impact that the media have on public perception, the need for increased understanding about mental health issues and the importance of maintaining the humanity and dignity of all persons, The Royal Gazette has a responsibility to the people of Bermuda to ensure that reporting on issues of mental health is accurate, positive and seeks to maintain the dignity and humanity of not just the individuals involved in the story, but all individuals that may have or have had mental health concerns.

In many instances, someone having a history of mental health concerns is not relevant to the story at all. It would be similar to reporting on a story about a bank robbery and mentioning that the individual has diabetes. It is irrelevant and not worth adding to the story.

It also may be prudent to seek input from professionals before publishing stories that involve individuals with mental health concerns. These professionals should be able to provide some perspective and insight on how the story may affect public perception.

I would also recommend seeking information and education about mental health for your employees. The Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute provides a course entitled Mental Health First Aid. The course is designed to provide basic understanding about mental health and to give practical things people can do to assist an individual who may be in crisis.

A course in people-first language may also be appropriate to assist your journalists while they are crafting their pieces. I understand that the title “Mentally ill knife attacker detained” is sensational and very likely attracts readers, but ultimately it is harmful to our community and even more so to individuals that are and should be seeking mental healthcare.

While I cannot speak for anyone else, I would be happy to have further discussions on solutions to ensuring that we increase the public’s knowledge and understanding about mental health issues and decrease the stigma surrounding them in Bermuda.

• Cranston Warren Jr is a clinical educator at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute

• Editor’s note: While respecting Cranston Warren’s authority on mental health issues, The Royal Gazette stands behind the story in question and the headline. Both accurately portray the trial and judgment, with the defendant’s mental capacity and mental history central to the proceedings.