The role of the press in preventing suicide

The role of the press in preventing suicide

The representative of the Spanish Association of Clinical Psychology, Irene Caro, said that the press can be a way to prevent suicide, by showing alternatives, talking about the issue with sensitivity and without excitement, and reporting solutions.

The main thing is that we are interested in the presence of another person who suffers. Starting from there, we can get this sensitivity.

Caro stressed that adequate coverage in the media may show those who are going through suicide ideas that there are people who have found a solution. This can motivate them to seek help through lines such as 024 or 112. This is called Preventive communication for suicide

A critical vision of media therapy

It should be understood that in the end, the person who takes into account his life can be like any of us. When we feel exhausted because the different situations accumulate, we could not know that. “

For her part, Marta Nieto’s speech and author of the book, Marta Nieto, expressed her anger at the treatment provided by many media outlets to commit suicide. He pointed out that its origin is usually simplified, detailed methods, place, and information about the available people, which can deeply affect their families.

“The person who dies because of suicide is worthy of respect, not to be shown, much lower than rugged details,” said Nito, one of the suicide survivors.

Media treatment for suicide

The role of the media and the importance of the message

He added that those who suffer from harassment, transmission, homosexual phobia, domestic violence, or other forms of exclusion, receive a message that it is “not sufficient”, which can lead to isolation, misunderstanding and isolation.

He said that journalists in these cases can play a major role. “If I knew the case of one person who was going through something similar, I will not try to take my life,” he said.

We have to make a message of hope. We must make reports and interviews – although it is difficult to find certificates – while surviving, to entertain the prevention network. “

Hope message

Responsible information and respect for victims

Neito also highlighted the importance of the media to inform how to act when a close person passes a crisis, warning of risk signs.

Juan Jose Escudero Barira, president of the Association for the Prevention of Suicide and Mental Health, shared his experience as a father of a young man who died because of suicide. The frustration he lived when searching for information responsible for the topic in the media has linked.

I felt despair. I met the pictures and stories that had to stop seeing. He warned that the sadness process is very difficult and could affect the details of the details on those who are in a weak time. “

Responsible information

Statistics on the media approach

An investigation from Colombia and the Institute of Psychiatry in New York revealed that 58 percent of the news related to suicide has an exciting approach. In 81 percent, the method was mentioned, in 83 percent, and in 46 percent there is talking about farewell notes. Only 4 percent provide support information.

If you deal with this information with responsibility, they save lives. “Read a bad written note, other people can push them to the maximum.”

Recommendations to report media suicide

During the day, recommendations were made for a media treatment responsible for suicide. Christina Martinez Valer, the yellow girl secretary, stressed that attempts, death or death should not be published, unless there is a social problem or if the case has general effects.

Gabriel Gonzalez Ortz, author of the book “Let’s talk about suicide, explained that cases of social causes usually come through relatives or associations, and suggested consulting multiple sources to avoid adherence prematurely, and always the privilege of victims’ rights.

He also pointed out that suicide in public places, although it is frequent in writings, is rarely news. Families, in most cases, prefer not to publish anything.

Responsible media treatment

How to process information morally

In the case of general numbers, the effect of news should be considered. Sufficient approach can avoid an increase in cases or the method of method.

When it is decided to report, it is recommended to reduce details, not glorify the law, use a clear and responsible language, avoid excitement, include specialized certificates and resort to verified data. Witnesses should not be considered sources of information.

Notes should include assistance resources and never separate the method or place or farewell notes. In addition, simplistic explanations and denying myths or stereotypes should be avoided, fighting wrong information.

Press ethics

Prevention communication opportunities

The concentration has not been repeated. The content of social networks has not been verified and in promoting the message of hope. Talking about the topic, expressing what it feels and giving a vision of help resources is part of preventive communication.

He also suggested taking advantage of departments such as sports, culture, economics or education to talk about prevention, not to reduce health or society departments.

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If this article looks useful, think about spreading it: you can save lives.

What other ways do you think is the press that you can adopt to prevent suicide?