Writing effective letters to the editor
Start by regularly scanning newspapers
Make the time to scan newspapers. It may seem like a time consuming task, but if you focus on headlines it will only take a few minutes a day and you’ll keep yourself up to date with the latest issues in mental health reporting.
If you find an article which you think may warrant a response, it is a good idea to get reaction from your colleagues and networks. What do others think about the reporting? Is it fair? Ask your networks to keep you informed about any articles they find, too.
Forming a response
When you find an article that grabs your attention, cut it out or photocopy it and stick it to your monitor. Read and reread the article. Let yourself get angry – this can be motivating. Ask yourself: what does this article say about mental illness? Does it promote recovery and hope? Does it present facts and evidence about mental illness? Start forming a potential response in your head.
Writing the letter
An effective letter has three parts. As a rough guide, the introduction should take up a quarter of the whole letter, the main body half of the letter, and the conclusion another quarter.
The introduction
Key points:
- Echo the article’s heading.
- Get straight to the point.
- Describe how the article made you feel. Were you shocked? Disappointed? Do you want to commend the journalist?
Example 1 (a positive response):
Sir, I write to commend the Nelson Mail for its story “Stigma hits mentally ill, study finds” early last month. Raising awareness of this issue will effect change making living with a mental illness less traumatic.
Example 2 (a negative response):
Sir, at risk of joining the PC brigade, I was shocked to read the heading ‘Mental Unit May Ban Smoking’ in last week’s paper.
The body of the letter
Key points:
- Flesh out your argument - build a case for your point of view.
- Use quotes from the original article to demonstrate the accuracy or inaccuracy of the article.
- Find examples or statistics to back up your argument. This gives legitimacy to your point of view.
- Rely on your professional knowledge – be aware of your own expertise on the subject and have faith in yourself.
- Be articulate – letters have more weight (and are more likely to be published) if they sound professional.
Example 3 (a positive response):
The article mentioned the National campaign to reduce self stigma. Self stigma is the result of society’s discrimination and stigma being internalized, resulting in low self esteem and confidence. Often the source of discrimination is mental health services, employers, family and friends. The article added many people reported their feelings of self-stigma had been triggered in early age by attitudes and behavior of family members.
Example 4 (a negative response):
The term Mental Unit reflects New Zealand’s sorry dark past when institutions were built to “care” for those experiencing mental illness. It is commonly known care was often not what these institutions provided. Today’s hospitals are quiet, comfortable, safe environments where people of all walks of life find solace from difficult circumstances…. My concern is for the patients who have recovered and left hospital, for others requiring future services and for their friends and families. That the media thoughtlessly labels patients this way has adverse consequences.
The Nelson Mail was congratulated last year for running a constructive story on self stigma, yet here is a heading likely to contribute towards it.
The conclusion
- After making your point with statistics, quotes, examples or professional knowledge you can restate your opinion.
- Be diplomatic. It is important to maintain good relationships with the media - their support can be vital.
- Don’t be afraid to praise. This is a great way to get media on side and to strengthen relationships with them. Remember that the media have an important part to play in getting the anti-discrimination message to the public.
- Make suggestions.
- Try to use humour, even in your negative responses.
Example 5 (a positive response):
There was mention of media coming in for criticism. In this instance the Nelson Mail has shown itself to be a leader by publicizing an article that is the catch cry for the national campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental health. Well done Nelson Mail.
Example 6 (a negative response):
The writer could have found any number of ways to describe the hospital, all demonstrating understanding and consideration or simply “Mental Health Unit Bans Smoking”. As a new member of the PC brigade I urge the media to consider their reporting of sensitive issues. An enlightened thoughtful society is favorable to the past.
With thanks to Tipene Taylor.
