Britney Spears

I would like to comment about the various developments and events in relation to Britney Spears' story and the reportage of the story by the international and local media.

It is very clear that Britney Spears has been going through a very stressful period since her filing for divorce from her ex-husband Kevin Federline. We have lately heard that she was admitted to hospital for a psychiatric evaluation due to her erratic behaviour and decision-making.

Richmond Foundation is concerned about the way the media are dealing with the story. Is this the way the media treat a person who is going through such an ordeal? We have seen photos and clips of Ms Spears being taken to hospital from her own home. Most of the features and photos are impressive and almost shocking.

This kind of dramatisation sells more, but what are the effects? Sensationalism will only make the situation worse.

It does not only leave extremely negative effects and hurt feelings for Britney Spears, her two little kids and her friends and relatives, but it also adds up to the negative connotations related to mental health problems. May I state at this point that there may be ordinary people here in Malta who may be going through similar experiences as Ms Spears and her family who are being negatively affected by the coverage of the story.

It is against such a context that as a foundation working in the field of community mental health, we would wish the media, and especially our national media, to engage in a responsible information campaign about issues related to mental health.