The risk of appearance: how to present the incident of suicide?

 The risk of appearance: how to present the incident of suicide?

The sensational reporting of the first incident may have directly or indirectly played a role in the second and third incidents.

According to a study by the World Health Organization, it has been found that the risk of suicide is high within three to four days after the news of suicide is broadcast.

Experts suggest that the media should provide information about psychosocial counseling and support services without describing the method and location of the incident in detail.

In recent times, the method of incidents in different places of the country, including Kathmandu Valley, is the same - self-immolation. These incidents created a debate from the parliament to the streets and also received widespread discussion in the media and social networks.

Such content reaches thousands of people within minutes on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and online news platforms. It is the responsibility of the media to provide information, but not only what information to provide on a sensitive topic like suicide, but how to provide it is equally important.

As a psychiatrist, there is concern about the impact that the presentation of recent events, the language used, titles, pictures and descriptions can have on vulnerable people. If a tough decision made by one person is over-hyped, dramatized, or presented in a mimetic format, it can influence the thinking of another vulnerable person.

According to a study by the World Health Organization, the risk of suicide is high within 3-4 days after the news of suicide is broadcast.

The influence of 'Dekhasiki' seen around the world

After the publication of the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther by the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1774, the discussion about the imitation of suicide started. From this incident, the concept of 'Werther effect' was developed in psychology.

As many subsequent studies have shown, when the news of suicide is sensationalized, it can increase the risk of copying in some people. In particular, repeated exposure to the same method, location or situation can affect vulnerable individuals.

On the contrary, presenting the stories of people who came out of difficult situations, came back to life with help and found a way to solve the problem can have a positive effect. This is called the 'Papageno Effect'.

One event can lead to another event

An incident that took place on June 25 in a busy area of Tripureshwar pushed the society to a serious question. Ganesh Nepali of Mugu poured petrol on his body and set it on fire in front of the passport department.

He was living a struggling life running a Pathao in the capital, and when he reached such an extreme decision, the atmosphere at the scene was shocked.

After the incident, he was immediately rescued and taken to Veer Hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of the doctors, his condition did not improve and he died during the treatment.

A citizen reaching such a painful decision in a public place has raised questions not only about his personal pain, but also about the pressure and frustration at many levels of society.

But before this incident could be resolved, two incidents of self-immolation were revealed the next day. The incidents in Rautahat and Buddhanagar in Kathmandu have raised further concern about the increasing number of self-immolation incidents. The person involved in both incidents died during treatment.

In the last two to three weeks, many cases of self-immolation attempts have been made public in different parts of the country. Four of them have died and other injured are being treated in various health institutions.

These incidents which are being publicized one after the other have raised a serious question - how does a person reach such an extreme and painful decision as burning his own body?

Are these events only connected with individual mental state, or are there deeper reasons related to social, economic, family and state system?

Sensationalization of suicides by the same method can lead to 'copycat' suicides among at-risk individuals.

The sensational reporting of the first incident may have directly or indirectly played a role in the second and third incidents. When the news dramatizes the methods, locations, and victims of self-immolation, it increases the likelihood that at-risk individuals will follow the same method.

Harmful effects of insensitive reporting

Insensitive reporting has a negative impact on suicidal behavior. It is also called 'Werther effect'. Especially in the news of suicide, if sensational headlines are used, biographies and methods of the deceased are described in detail, and the suicide of a famous person is given importance, it encourages 'copycat' suicide.

Such reporting particularly affects those with suicidal thoughts, mental health problems, and those who have lost family members to suicide. Reporting that spreads misconceptions (eg suicide is the only solution) and explains the method also increases risk.

Positive impact of sensitive reporting

Responsible and sensitive reporting can create a 'Papageno effect', which helps in suicide prevention. It presents the story of people who have faced the stress of life positively, overcome suicidal thoughts and moved on. Such news shows readers/viewers who are at risk positive energy and the way to solve problems.

According to a study conducted in the city of Vienna, Austria, after starting to follow the media guidelines of that city Suicides were reduced by 75 percent and the overall suicide rate was reduced by 20 percent. This is a clear proof of how responsible presentation of the media can save lives.

How can responsible reporting be done?

1. Provide information on support services

24-hour national helpline number 1966 must be placed at the end of the news. Suicide prevention centers, mental health services, and counseling services should be informed.

2. Don't spread misconceptions

Don't give the message that suicide is the only solution to the problem. Instead, the message should be given that suicide can be prevented with proper treatment and counseling.

3. Presenting a positive story

Presenting stories of people who have overcome stress management and suicidal thoughts. It gives hope and energy to those who are at risk.

4. Celebrity reporting

Focusing on the journey of life and contribution to society, not the method of death. Do not speculate until the cause of death is confirmed.

5. Respect to the bereaved family

Be mindful of confidentiality and feelings when interviewing a recent incident. They should only focus on the subject keeping in mind that they may also be at risk.

6. Mental health of the media

Be aware of the negative impact on yourself. Don't hesitate to seek help if needed.

7. Do not tend to repeat

Do not publish/broadcast news of suicide frequently. It increases the risk.

8. Avoid using sensational language

Instead of saying 'suicide epidemic', say 'increasing number of suicides'. Don't say 'successful' or 'failed' suicide; It is appropriate to say 'death by suicide'.

9. Do not describe methods and tools

Not giving details of rope, poison name, quantity, instrument used and process. If there is a new method, do not focus on it.

10. Not providing detailed location information

Do not depict the place of suicide as a 'deadly spot' or suicide zone.

11. Don't have sensational headlines

Minimizing the use of the word 'suicide' in the title and not keeping details of the method/place.

12. Do not use photos/videos

Do not publish/broadcast photos of the deceased, suicide notes, photos of vehicles, or video clips. Do not use photos without the consent of the family.

More caution for digital media

In the age of social media, suicide content spreads rapidly in the form of hyperlinks, video clips and photographs. Nepali online portals still have a tendency to make suicide incidents 'breaking news', use sensational words in the title and describe the method.

This is further increasing the rising suicide rate in the country. It is also suggested that the titles to be kept for search engine optimization in online media should not use harmful words related to suicide. Preparations should be made for the proper management of feedback on social media.

Misconceptions about suicide and its reality

Misconception: Those who are determined to commit suicide cannot be saved

Reality: Suicide can be prevented with proper treatment and counseling.

Misconception: Talking about suicide openly encourages it.

Reality: Talking openly helps to think of alternative ways to solve the problem.

Misconception: Suicide happens only on impulse.

Reality: In most cases suicide is due to mental condition.

Misconception: Suicide is more common in low economic conditions

Reality: Suicide is not limited within any socio-economic boundaries.