ANALYSIS| Romanticizing Suicide While Reporting A Trigger

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 27- A growing number of studies indicate that sensationalist reporting of suicide may serve as a trigger and in the absence of protective factors may lead to increased number of suicides.

It is dangerous to explicitly describe details of the intent, plan and method of suicide used.

Research has shown that these tend to be a cue and trigger to other persons who may be going through similar situations.

Such cases, referred to as copycat suicide, are as a result information the victim got from local knowledge and accounts of such suicides reported in the media.

Also, suicides can spread through community or in terms of a celebrity wave in what is termed as suicide cluster.

Studies show that media related imitation of suicide, dubbed Werther effect, lead to such increased cases.

Following the link, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and mental health and suicide prevention organisations worldwide developed guidelines for reporting of suicide by the media.

One of the ways is to minimise the harm, for example by avoiding glorification of suicide, discussion of specific suicide methods, and repeated reporting about the same suicide.

When such stories are reported, they should include information on the role of treatable mental illness, where and how to seek help for suicidal thoughts, and a message of hope that suicide is preventable.

However, experts say not all media coverage of suicide is associated with subsequent increases in suicides. Other studies show that media reporting on a suicide method increases the cognitive availability of this method, and individuals considering suicide might be more likely to subsequently select the method used by celebrities.

Individuals with suicidal thoughts, particularly new thoughts and a suicide plan, have an increased risk of suicidal behaviour.

It is most likely when a method of suicide is specified, especially in detail, and when the story is presented in detail or portrayed dramatically and prominently with photographs of the deceased.

The study further revealed that the increases in total suicides, and greater increases in suicides by the same method reported in the media.

According to studies, younger people seem to be most vulnerable to the influence of media. In some cases, media oversimplifies the causes, attributing the act to single factors such as financial disasters or broken relationships while overlooking the common factor leading to such suicides, mental illness.

Media are advised to avoid dramatic reporting, sensational and lengthy reports or portrayal of suicide and specifying the means used.

-How to report a suspected suicide case-

Over 100 studies worldwide have found that risk of contagion is real and responsible reporting can reduce the risk of additional suicides.

Research indicates duration, frequency, and prominence are the most influential factors that increase risk of suicide contagion.

Covering suicide carefully can change perceptions, dispel myths and inform the public on the complexities of the issue.

Media reports can result in help-seeking when they include helpful resources and messages of hope and recovery.

While reporting a suicide case, a journalist should not describe or depict the method of suicide.

One should also not share the content of a suicide note. A journalist must also avoid glamourizing or romanticizing suicide through their reporting.

Instead, experts recommend that one gives fact to counter perceptions that the suicide was tied to heroism, honor, or loyalty to an individual or a group.