A Guide for Journalists, Media Professionals, And Public Messengers

Overview

News coverage shapes public perception of mental health and suicide. These guidelines help journalists and public messengers navigate complex mental health topics with ethical reporting techniques that reinforce factual and compelling storytelling while avoiding harmful framing and narratives that sensationalize stories and increase the risk of suicide contagion.

It covers:

1. Ethical reporting principles for mental health and suicide stories
2. How to follow journalistic practices without sensationalizing content
3. Framing techniques that encourage awareness and help-seeking

Key Best Practices

1. Use Precise & Non-Moralistic Language – Choose medically accurate terms instead of outdated or stigmatizing phrases.
2. Provide Context & Balance – Mental health stories should highlight both challenges and recovery, not just crises.
3. Avoid Sensationalized Headlines – Stick to neutral, informative headlines that decrease the risk for suicide contagion.
4. Consult Mental Health Experts & Lived Experience Voices – Use trusted sources to ensure reporting is balanced.

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Real-World Media Examples

1. Ethical Reporting in Action
   See news coverage balancing journalism principles with positive framing, accurate and non-stigmatizing language, help resources and broader representation of the suicide experience.