At a time like this, how we talk about mental health matters

We’ve just wrapped up Mental Health Month in October, a time of shared stories, community events and important conversations about mental health. Each year, it provides an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.  

Yet the past few weeks have also reminded us that that there is still a long way to go, particularly when it comes to reducing stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with complex mental health challenges.  

Following the tragic and distressing incident involving Dr Helen Haines MP, many of us are still grappling with the shock of what occurred. Our thoughts remain with Helen, her family, her staff and the wider community as they continue to navigate the impact of this terrible event. 

The incident has also prompted important conversations about the way we talk about mental health in public conversations, and the stigma and discrimination that continues to affect people living with more complex mental health conditions. 

In the weeks since, mental health consumer and lived experience organisations, alongside service providers and advocates, have raised concerns about some of the public commentary that has connected mental health and violence. This commentary can reinforce harmful stereotypes and overlook the experiences of people living with mental health challenges. 

Last week, mental health consumer peak bodies from across the country released a joint statement calling for a focus on facts in public commentary.  

They warned against drawing simplistic links between mental health challenges and violence or advocating for more coercive responses without regard for evidence or lived experience. The statement also acknowledged the impact commentary has had on the community, noting that "there is fear in our movement and our community due to the discriminatory language in the media recently." 

SANE Australia has also released a statement urging for care around the way these conversations are framed, noting that people living with schizophrenia and other complex mental health conditions have long faced fear, judgement and stigma. Negative portrayals can discourage people from seeking help, increase social isolation and contribute to poorer health outcomes. SANE’s StigmaWatch program, which monitors and responds to reports of inaccurate or inappropriate stigmatising media portrayal of mental ill health and suicide, has also seen increased reporting related to this issue.  

The impact of stigma and discrimination should not be underestimated. The 2026 National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card found that 68 per cent of people experiencing mental health challenges said stigma and discrimination were worse than the symptoms of their condition. 

As discussions continue, we encourage media and public conversations about mental health to follow the Mindframe guidelines for safe and sensitive reporting and remain grounded in evidence rather than stereotypes. 

How we talk about mental health matters. It shapes attitudes, influences policy and directly affects the lives of millions of people across Australia. We all have a responsibility to ensure those conversations are informed, respectful and compassionate. 

Also, I want to acknowledge that discussing topics like these can affect people in different ways. If you are feeling distressed, please reach out for support through Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Lifeline (13 11 14), 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or speak with someone you trust. 

Carolyn Nikoloski 
Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Australia