mentalhealthrep.com

Writing a Script?

Bring realism and relatability to your characters.

Help real people in the real world.

Representation Matters

Mental illness is common, but remains stigmatised and poorly understood by society. In fact, though around half of people will experience mental health issues, almost 45% say they would find a mentally ill person “scary”.

Inappropriate and harmful representations on our screens and in stories increase prejudice and discrimination against our vulnerable communities.

Conversely, accurate and sympathetic portrayals increase awareness and promote help-seeking behaviour.

The power to change lives is in your hands.

Getting it Right

No matter what medium your story is being presented in – from video games to movies to theatre – there is a role for consultation on mental illness representation.

Responsible

Avoid stigma, stereotypes, and harmful messaging

Realistic

Connect with your audience by using authentic, genuine characters

Respectful

Show empathy and mindfulness toward a vulnerable community

Dr Jennifer Hazel

I am a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist working in New Zealand, and a passionate lifelong gamer. In 2016 I founded CheckPoint, an organisation which connects mental health with video games and technology. 

I have a unique set of expertise as a psychiatrist who is intricately familiar with game design and storytelling. I can guide you in how to represent mental illness responsibly, create realistic characters, and link these themes with plot, mechanics and gameplay.

Games I've Worked On

I have worked on projects across a range of sizes and scopes, from Sony and Microsoft to independent developers.

Winner of several Game Awards, these stories have made a positive impact in players’ lives.

Articles and Publications

Coping Mechanisms

Using video game characters as a tool to explore the world of coping mechanisms as described by Anna Freud.

Get in Touch

    MentalHealthRep.com

    Writing a Script?

    Bring realism and relatability to your characters.
    Help real people in the real world.

    Representation Matters

    Mental illness is common, but remains stigmatised and poorly understood by society. In fact, though around half of people will experience mental health issues, almost 45% say they would find a mentally ill person “scary”.

    Inappropriate and harmful representations on our screens and in stories increase prejudice and discrimination against our vulnerable communities.

     

    Conversely, accurate and sympathetic portrayals increase awareness and promote help-seeking behaviour.

     

    The power to change lives is in your hands.

    Reasons to Get It Right

    No matter what medium your story is being presented in – from video games to movies to theatre – there is a role for consultation on mental illness representation.

    Responsible
    Avoid stigma, stereotypes, and harmful messaging
    Realistic
    Connect with your audience by using authentic, genuine characters
    Respectful

    Show empathy and mindfulness toward a vulnerable community

    Dr Jennifer Hazel

    I am a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist working in New Zealand, and a passionate lifelong gamer. In 2016 I founded CheckPoint, an organisation which connects mental health with video games and technology. 

    I have a unique set of expertise as a psychiatrist who is intricately familiar with game design and storytelling. I can guide you in how to represent mental illness responsibly, create realistic characters, and link these themes with mechanics and gameplay.

    Games I've Worked On

    I have worked on projects across a range of sizes and scopes, from Sony and Microsoft to independent developers.

    Winner of several Game Awards, these stories have made a positive impact in players’ lives.

    Articles

    Coping Mechanisms

    Using video game characters as a tool to explore the world of coping mechanisms as described by Anna Freud.

    Get in Touch