Re-visioning television images of madness: A public lecture by Dr Stephen Harper

We’ve never talked about mental health more in society. But as diagnoses of mental health conditions increase, what is shaping the conversation?

On Wednesday 10 February, Dr Stephen Harper explores how TV and other screen media influence our understanding of mental distress, diagnosis and difference.

This public lecture is for anyone who wants a better understanding of the world we live in. You don’t need to know anything about the topic. Just bring your curiosity.

The talk will examine how mental distress has been represented on British screens over the years – from the earliest depictions of ‘madness’ through to the increasingly diverse and personal pictures painted on TV today.

What’s changed? What’s persisted? How does television make sense of people who experience psychological suffering? These are just a few of the questions we’ll ask.

Along the way, we’ll look at some of TV’s more controversial recent programming, including Channel 4’s The Great ADHD Myth? We’ll ask what is at stake when programmes challenge, reinforce or complicate familiar understandings of mental health and diagnosis.

Instead of simply asking whether TV gets mental distress ‘right’, we consider what these representations tell us about the society that produced them. Why are certain forms of distress more visible at different moments in history? And what does the shifting media representation of ideas about diagnosis, responsibility, identity and treatment say about today’s Britain?

Don’t miss this eye-opening talk. To book your FREE tickets, select how many you want, then click the ‘Reserve a spot’ button.

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Accessibility and special requirements: We will endeavour to provide particular access requirements on request. If you have any access requirements, e.g. wheelchair access, hearing loops or specific neurodiverse requirements, please get in touch in advance of the event.

Any questions you may have, please contact dri@port.ac.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.