Tragedies involving untreated mental illness often result in sensationalist news reporting, implying all people with mental illness are violent and unpredictable. This contributes to community fear and isolation for those affected, creating a barrier to seeking help. This stereotype also crops up in other formats including advertising, games, and entertainment media.

Having a mental illness does not mean someone will be violent. People receiving treatment for mental illnesses are no more violent or dangerous than anyone else; in fact they are more likely to be the victims of violence than the attackers. When a person with a mental illness is not receiving treatment, especially in the first episode of illness, there is an increased risk of violence, as symptoms, confusion and distress may cause them to react negatively. Many people with untreated mental illness use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, and this further increases the risk of violence.

StigmaWatch encourages media professionals to present the facts about mental illness and violence - and exercise caution when reporting on individual cases, not to alarm the community by generalising at the cost of the most vulnerable.