Media Spin, Celebrity and Mental Health

To the AP's credit, the article did promote the notion of privacy and respect. What I do appreciate about this report by the AP as well as Daily Variety-a Hollywood trade paper that everyone in the business reads cover to cover daily-is that they both published the statement given by 20th Century Fox spokesman (when responding to what will happen with a movie Wilson will be filming) that "It‘s a totally inappropriate question at this time." He gets it. Also, Santa Monica Fire Battalion Chief would not comment on his knowledge citing federal privacy laws. He gets it too. A glimmer of a beginning.

Today, however, AP Entertainment published another article on Wilson. The article began with information that Wilson will not be filming his next movie. This article (like the previous) addressed Wilson's emotional state related to his career. And, in my opinion, it amplified the new speculations out there about substance abuse by quoting friends like Tom Arnold who said, ""Most people are confused by this, but as a recovering addict myself it gives me hope that this is his bottom and he can turn it around. He really is a good guy." Aiyee. At what point do we just allow Mr. Wilson to share what he needs to share with those he chooses to?

On Monday, the Wilson brothers fan-based website home page posted this message: "...The reason for and severity of his hospitalization has not been disclosed, though tabloid reports have been swirling that the actor attempted to commit suicide. Our good thoughts and prayers go to Owen and the entire Wilson family. We wish them all a speedy recovery and hope the press respects their privacy." This statement was then followed by Wilson's request to the press. The choice to support and not judge by a large fan-base is a good sign.

Are our concerns as a society regarding the severity of mental health reflected accurately by the media? Do Americans share the same need-to-know superficial mentality of the media rather than the importance of the information being reported? I think it's a toss up.

Society's progress toward accepting and understanding mental health is still slow. To address the world at large through media attention, it just may be up to celebrities themselves to address mental health stigma and ignorance. (Remember, it was Brooke Shields who garnered America's attention on the important mental health issue of post-partum depression.) We non-celebrities will continue to do our part and will continue to make strides in this area. We just don't have the public's full attention. Celebrities do.

In the event that Wilson should decide to speak out and share what is going on, perhaps then newscasters will spend time obtaining and reporting on information about depression, suicide, or mental illness and how it affects one in every ten people. This is a huge opportunity, but will it be bypassed? Will those in the executive chairs for written and aired media keep their wits about them for what is the real issue here: mental health, treatment, care, correction of stigma and promotion of education?