Interior Feature

Media

Suicide claims the lives of over 31,000 people each year, more than homicide or HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, suicide is a topic that is infrequently discussed, mostly due to the stigma that surrounds it. Research has shown that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have depression or another diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder.

It is important to report suicide in a responsible manner. Romanticizing or idealizing the victim has been shown to have serious detrimental effects - in the worst case, leading to copycat suicides.

When reporting on a suicide, it is best not to include personal details regarding the victim, the method used, or a rationale for the death. It is helpful to include the warning/signs and risk factors for suicide, to emphasize suicide prevention and to explicitly recommend treatment for depression and other mental illnesses.

Learn more about how SPAN USA encourages responsible coverage about suicide through its Teachable Moments Campaign. For more information on responsible reporting of suicide, view the guidelines below.

Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide:

Resources and facts about suicide:

Talk to someone from SPAN USA:

To schedule an interview or get a quote from SPAN USA, please contact Brooke Saltzer at (202) 715-1559 or via email by clicking here.