What to do and what not to do when reporting a suicide

From Kurt Cobain to Robin Williams to Naomi Judd, the list of publicly reported deaths by suicide continues to grow. Dialogue about depictions of suicide or suicide attempts in television programs such as the series 13 reasons why it merely contributes to the global conversation about public health concerns related to suicide.

We know from previous research (Stack, 2003) that irresponsible media coverage of suicide can increase the likelihood suicidal behavior in defenseless people. That’s why it’s important to consider how we talk and write about suicide in the media and elsewhere.

I was recently reminded of an excellent resource on responsible reporting and discussion of suicide. “Good practices and recommendations for reporting suicides” provides useful and specific guidance on how to talk and write about suicide in the media. Let’s go through and summarize this list of do’s and don’ts.

Don’t use sensational headlines that detail the method of suicide. Inform without sensationalizing the suicide and without providing details in the headline.
Do not include photos or videos of the place or manner of death or mourning for family or friends at funerals. Use a school or work photo; include suicide hotline numbers or local crisis contacts.
Don’t describe suicide as an “epidemic,” “surge,” or other exaggerated terms. Use relevant words like “higher rates” or “increasing.”
Don’t describe suicide as “without warning” or “inexplicable.” Communicate that people show warning signs of suicide and include a list of common warning signs and ways to intervene when someone is having suicidal thoughts.
Don’t say, “She left a suicide note saying…” Say, “A note from the deceased was found.”
Don’t investigate or report suicide as if it were… criminality. Suicide should be reported as a public health problem.
Do not quote police or emergency services about the causes of suicide. You should seek advice and information from suicide prevention experts.
Don’t call suicide a “successful”, “unsuccessful” or “failed attempt”. Avoid the term “committed suicide,” which is an outdated reference from a time when acts or attempts at suicide were punishable as crimes. Say “died by suicide,” “committed suicide,” or “killed himself.”

Additionally, it is recommended that readers and listeners be informed about the many effective treatment options, tell the stories of people who have overcome the suicide crisis, and provide other sources of help.

If you need a refresher on some common warning signs of suicide, they include:

Talking about wanting to die
You are looking for a way to commit suicide
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use alcohol or drugs
Action restlessagitated or reckless
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawal or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talk about searching revenge
Exhibiting extreme mood swings

Displaying more of these signs may indicate a greater risk of suicide.

If you know someone who is showing warning signs of suicide:

Don’t leave this person alone.
Remove any available firearms, alcohol, drugs, sharp objects or other possible means.
Take the person to the emergency room or seek immediate help from a doctor or mental health professional.

Also check out these crisis resource organizations:

Suicide and crisis lifeline: call or text 988
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Emergency text line: text HOME to 741741

It is important to read these basic recommendations for writing and talking about suicide regularly for three reasons: so that we can all be better prepared to talk about suicide with greater sensitivity and accuracy; recognize when someone is showing warning signs of suicide; and knowledge of how to help a person in crisis obtain appropriate help and treatment. Finally, it is extremely important to share this information widely with others to spread the word so that we can all increase our awareness of these lifesaving strategies.

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