ZM
The Issue
On June 22, ZM radio's Morning Crew played a game called ‘psycho-ex bingo'. This involved inviting callers to ring up with reasons why they left their ex-partners, while DJs used these calls to cross off squares on bingo cards, which they had filled in with potential reasons why someone would leave their partner. One of the potential reasons was experience of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The Response
Dear Morning Crew,
Your "psycho-ex bingo" segment on June 22 invited callers to ring up with reasons why they left their ex-partners, while your DJs used these calls to cross off squares on bingo cards, which they had filled in with potential reasons why someone would leave their partner.
We were disappointed to hear that included along with such reasons as "cheating on you with a best friend" was experience of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a condition that affects between 2-3 percent of New Zealand, meaning tens of thousands of Kiwis have experience of this mental illness.
It is highly unlikely that your DJs would think it was acceptable to cite a physical condition as a likely reason to end a partnership, and we ask that people with experience of a mental illness are given the same respect.
Mental illness is a part of the human condition, and someone who is brave enough to disclose a mental health issue in a relationship probably has a lot more self-awareness and strength than many others.
The latest message from Like Minds, Like Mine is "what you do makes the difference". Helping to counter myths and stereotypes about mental illness is one way the media can set an example and give some support to the one in five New Zealanders who will experience some form of mental illness this year.
Yours faithfully
Judi Clements
Chief Executive
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
You too can respond to media coverage that you believe is stigmatising or discriminatory. Visit our Media Watch section for a step-by-step guide on how to make a complaint.
