ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses a range of communicative forms focusing upon madness, mental health and distress. Across the case studies form is defined as a crafted piece of communicative performance to follow John Corners description. It is an organisation of signs, sometimes simple, sometimes complex, sometimes seemingly spontaneous, sometimes highly considered and strategic, that constitute any specific of media communication. Focusing upon genre as a key component, this critical analysis seeks insight into differences in mental health meaning-making across non-fictional and fictional forms. While the division is never definite, recognition of it makes for a sensible way forward because although certain principles connected with fiction apply to non-fiction too, differences in the way in which they work to position, inform and move the viewer are significant. By identifying the knowledge properties stemming from each form, a more decisive analysis of mental health meaning is sought.
