FAQs

It is important to remember that there is no universal ‘look’ or physical appearance for people who experience mental ill-health. Images used to communicate about mental illness should reflect general society, particularly in a diverse Australian context, as well as a variety of experiences.

Many of the images used in the media or in other public communication focus on visible distress or stereotypes about what it’s like to experience a mental illness. This can include images of people clutching their heads or screaming, people curled up in the foetal position, or people looking dirty or dishevelled. This may reflect some people’s experience but this isn’t true for everyone. The Images matter: Mindframe guidelines for image use suggest that these images should be used sparingly, and be balanced with images of hope and support.

It is important to remember that there is no universal ‘look’ or physical appearance for people who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours, or who have been bereaved by suicide. Images used to communicate about suicide should reflect general society, particularly in a diverse Australian context, as well as a variety of experiences.

Images that include methods or locations used for suicide can increase the risk of suicidal behaviours. To reduce this risk, images included in general communication about suicide and suicide prevention should avoid showing specific methods and locations.

Images in this online image collection are designed to represent the challenges people experience as well as depict diversity, hope and support.

The Images matter online image collection will be updated regularly, with new images to be released in a phased approach.

Relevant non-person images including artistic representations, animals and nature will be included in future releases.

When designing the search function of the website, care has been taken to avoid categorising people, or depicting mental ill-health, suicide and AOD use in a way that reinforces or contributes to harmful stereotypes.

Images within the online image collection portray emotions and in some cases distress to reflect the reality of life’s challenges, however they are balanced with those that model hope and support.