Mental health advocate and wellness coach, Oluwatunmise Oladapo-Kuku, has emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perceptions, particularly around issues such as mental health and suicide.
She stated this during a panel discussion at a capacity-building workshop on responsible suicide reporting for journalists organised by the International Visitor Leadership Programme Alumni Association in collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos.
Oladapo-Kuku shared her journey with mental health, explaining the impact of societal stigma and the need for open conversations about mental well-being. “The language we use matters,” she said. “If we refer to mental health issues as ‘problems,’ we shut down the conversation, but when we treat them as ‘questions,’ it sparks curiosity and understanding.”
Drawing from her own experiences with postnatal depression and bipolar disorder, she emphasized the need to shift public perceptions about mental health.
She also highlighted how her struggles with bipolar disorder have shaped her advocacy work, stating, “We need to unlearn the stigmas society has ingrained in us, and instead focus on healing and support.”
Oladapo-Kuku called for a shift in the media’s approach, advocating for stories that foster understanding and empathy rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes. “As journalists, you have the power to change the narrative. You can provide a platform for those living with mental health conditions to share their stories and feel heard.”
She also spoke about the need for support systems for individuals living with mental health conditions, while sharing that her support system, which includes her children and friends, has been instrumental in her journey toward healing.
“A strong support system can make all the difference,” she said. “It’s about approaching those who are struggling with curiosity and compassion.”
Blacktalker reports that the workshop concluded with a call to action for journalists to focus on the use of non-stigmatising language, storytelling around hope and recovery and information about helplines and professional help to help change the world’s view of mental health, reduce stigma on suicide and save lives.