From bloggingonsuicide.org
Suicide is an important public health issue, and those who blog on the topic share diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that can help those who are struggling.
Bloggers can help reduce risk of contagion with posts or links to treatment services, warning signs, and suicide hotlines.
The following recommendations are meant to assist bloggers in blogging about suicide safely, and ultimately maximize the effectiveness of the communicators’ efforts and reduce the risk of harmful effects of unsafe messaging on suicide.
Top Safety Concerns and how to avoid them
Avoid: Showing or describing suicide methods or locations in your post. Instead: Only mention that the person died by suicide and leave it at that.
Avoid: Sharing the contents of a suicide note.
Instead: Share that a note was found, but exclude further details.
Avoid: Referring to suicide as “successful,” “unsuccessful,” or a “failed attempt.” Instead: Describe as “died by suicide,” “completed,” or “killed him/herself.”
Avoid: Describing suicide as an “epidemic” or using other strong words like “skyrocketing” or “increasing rapidly.” Instead: Research the best available data and use words like “increase” or “rise”.
Avoid: Spreading negative stereotypes, myths, or stigma related to mental illnesses or suicidal persons.
Instead: Do your research. Know what stereotypes are out there and the myths that surround suicide and the people who die by suicide.*
Avoid: Oversimplifying causes or trying to to pinpoint a single reason or cause of suicide.
Instead: Include a statement about the complexity of suicide and that more commonly, many factors contribute to a person ending their life.
Avoid: Normalizing suicidal behavior by presenting it as common or acceptable.
Instead: Emphasize that suicide is not a normal reaction to common mental health issues or daily stressors and that prevention and recovery are both possible.
Avoid: Talking about suicide as a crime.
Instead: Make it clear that suicide is a public health issue.
Avoid: Including personal details of the person who has died by suicide. Individuals who may already be struggling with suicidal thoughts may attempt to identify or connect with the person in the story and have an increased risk for copycat suicide.
Instead: Use the person’s story to talk about prevention, coping, and how to seek help. Include details that may help put the suicide into context like observed warning signs, previous suicide attempts or threats, or if they had other mental health issues or a substance abuse problem. Including information on help seeking and positive outcomes/ recovery or providing messages of hope is helpful.
*Refer to http://www.who.int/mental_health/suicide-prevention/myths.pdf for a list of common myths about suicide.
Suicide is complex. There are almost always multiple causes.
Suicide is preventable. Help is available. Treatment Works.
Coping Strategies for Suicidal Thinking
Suicidal crises will likely pass. Distraction can be an important coping strategy.
Go for a walk, jog or bike ride
Visit somewhere new, like a coffee shop or museum or park you’ve never been
Listen to your favorite songs
Read a book, magazine or blog post
Warning Signs of Suicide in Others
Talking about wanting to die
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
What To Do Help Those at Risk
Do not leave the person alone
Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
IASP list of crisis centers
Learn About Mental Health and Suicide
National Institute of Mental Health
Mental health facilities search
JED Foundation- College Students
The Trevor Project- LGBTQ
INTERNATIONAL- Mental Health
International Mental Health Orgs
INTERNATIONAL- Suicide Specific
Preventing Suicide- Report by WHO
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Orygen Youth Suicide Prevention- Australia
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