Sunday Star Times
The Issue
The Sunday Star Times newspaper published the article "I was afraid I would murder someone". The article focussed on John Kirwan's 'All Blacks Don't Cry' book that was recently released in which he speaks honestly about his experience of depression. The article was very well written however the headline choice was far from appropriate/helpful. Like Minds received several complaints about the headline.
The Response
Dear Mr Kemeys,
The Mental Health Foundation wish to express our dismay at the headline used in the article “I was afraid I would murder someone” on 24 October in the Sunday Star Times.
The article itself was very positive. The reporting of John Kirwan’s experiences highlight the fact that recovery is possible but the heading let you down. This unfortunate choice of headline contributes to the myths surrounding mental illness and violence.
Research has shown that the vast majority of people with mental illness are no more likely to commit violent crimes, such as murder, than anyone else. In fact, people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. The strongest risk factors for violence are not attributable to mental illness, but rather to having a past history of violence, along with alcohol misuse.
John Kirwan has been an outstanding ambassador for mental health since he began fronting the national depression initiative. His honesty and bravery have helped many New Zealander’s to feel comfortable speaking about what some consider a sensitive subject.
As more people feel comfortable enough to open up about their mental health and respected papers such as yours being willing to publish their stories the Mental Health Foundation’s continues to move towards its goal of making mental health everybody's business and the Like Minds, Like Mine objective of a nation that values and includes people with experience in mental illness.
The association of mental illness with a violent act in your choice of headline does nothing toward supporting people’s willingness to share their story and everything towards their reluctance to do so.
Yours sincerely
Judi Clements
Chief Executive
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
The Result
The letter was published in the Sunday Star Times on 21 November.
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.
