Dear Li1,
I understand what you say, and maybe I was a bit vague in my previous post. I think that the stigma and bad-mouthing there is about mental illness all comes from the public's fear of people who are different. My parents were refugees to this country, and my mother can still remember talking with a friend on a tram when a bossy woman came up to her and said "Why don't you speak English in this country" People who are not wealthy or middle class are looked on as "bludgers", while you and I know that these people are really struggling to survive and gain acceptance.
I wouldn't watch morning T.V. if you paid me. It is geared up to be sensationalist and it is obvious rubbish. Why pollute your mind with that stuff? You always have to take the media with a grain of salt. They look for stories which are sensationalist and will boost their ratings,Stories about "dole bludgers" or people trying to cheat the system appeal to viewers/readers who like to feel superior. They have no idea what it is really like, and how hard some people struggle to make ends meet.It is very hard to change these people's opinions,- bigots are so sure of themselves. The best thing to do is simply ignore them.
This is a subject which is obviously bothering you a lot. If you have time, you could sit down and write down all your thoughts in detail. It would help get things off your chest. Once you have it done you could send it to the TV stations or newspapers concerned and of course post it here where you have many supporters and people who think the same way.
Prejudice is very hard to fight, but don't forget that the media is only trying to make money. Occasionally you will get a good, well written story but that is rare. So write to the media - they often pubish letters from readers - and in the meantime avoid the sort of stuff which you know is going to offend you.
I avoid content I don't like too - I either don't read it or turn the TV off.
Do take care,
Ellu
