CoMHWA Calls for an Apology from Four Corners

Perth’s peak mental health consumers’ body calls for an apology from the producers of ABC’s Four Corners episode “Don’t Judge Us”.

The episode has not only demoralised mental health consumers but has demonised and discriminated against people with a lived experience of mental health distress – something the consumer movement has fought for decades to abolish.

Consumers are distressed and dismayed at the portrayal of people with mental health issues in the report. The failure of the ABC to interview any consumers, consumer advocates or consumer peak bodies has reinforced the stigma and marginalisation of people living with mental health challenges.

Consumers want radical changes to the system, not just access to it. 

 ‘The ABC cannot silence the consumer voice when it reports on mental health. By working together, we can tell the truth of people living with mental and emotional distress.’ Shauna Gaebler, CEO CoMHWA.

Unfortunately, the episode has virtually erased the hard work that we have put in place to destigmatise individuals with mental health issues.

‘It is extremely disappointing to note that this single episode could set back the work of mental health organisations by years.’ Shauna Gaebler, CEO CoMHWA.

On behalf of people with lived experience of mental health issues we are reaching out to the ABC to work with us and other consumer peak bodies to develop an episode that tells the truth about people living with mental and emotional distress.

Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA) is the peak body representing consumers in WA who have ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues.  Run by consumers, for consumers, CoMHWA offers a range of advocacy, representation, education and training services throughout WA. 

If you or anyone you know has been distressed by this report from ABC Four Corners, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please be aware that this episode contains distressing content. If you need to talk to someone after watching this program, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Media Enquiries: Shauna Gaebler, CEO CoMHWA
Phone: 0422 190 689   Email: ceo@comhwa.org.au