Reporting mental illness and suicide Evidence of impact and Ethical and professional dilemmas

Why are mental illness and suicide topics for a journalism course? Media reports can influence community attitudes towards, and understanding of, mental illness and suicide. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate challenges in applying journalism principles to sensitive issues. Discussing these topics can help prepare students for the ethical and professional decisions they will make as journalists.

Reporting mental illness Facts and statistics Evidence of impact Issues to consider Examples for discussion

Mental illness is common in Australia… 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in any 12-month period. Anxiety disorders-14% Depression-6% Bipolar Affective Disorder-2% Substance Disorders-5% Schizophrenia-1% Eating Disorders-2%

Why should the media consider the ways they cover mental illness? Research has indicated that for many people the media is their primary source of information about mental illness. According to national and international research, mental illness tends to be portrayed negatively in the mass media. The evidence also suggests that such reporting may contribute to negative stereotypes, stigma and discrimination. It is important to minimise negative portrayals of mental illness as the presentation of positive images does not appear to balance negative media portrayals.

Representing mental illness in the media There are a number of different ways that mental illnesses may be covered in the media: When a piece is specifically about a particular illness (e.g. the signs, symptoms, treatments); When a piece involves a person that is living with a mental illness (e.g. crime, politics); When a piece is about an issue where mental illness is a related factor (e.g. mental health care, suicide).

Issues to consider: Mental illness Ensure references to mental illness are accurate and in context. Avoid negative language (e.g. ‘deranged’, ‘mental patient’, ‘lunatic asylum’) and using medical terminology out of context (e.g. ‘schizophrenic economy’). Be mindful of stereotypes such as those which link mental illness and violence or suggest people are unable to work, parent or lead fulfilling lives (e.g. ‘victim’, ‘life sentence’). Interviewing someone with a mental illness requires particular sensitivity. Seek advice from recommended mental health experts. Promote help-seeking (e.g. include helpline numbers).

Mental illness is often reported in the context of law- enforcement Mental illness is often reported in the context of law- enforcement. Does this portray a balanced account of mental illness? Police and court reporting- a difference?

Should the media be mindful of the language they use when discussing mental illness and mental health care? Did the patient…? “escape from hospital” “abscond from hospital” “leave hospital against the advice of medical professionals” “discharge themselves from hospital” Mental health terminology as an adjective? “…the boom gate is schizophrenic…” “…the share market continued its manic depressive performance…”

Examples for discussion Reporting suicide Facts and statistics Evidence of impact Issues to consider Examples for discussion

Do the media report suicide? What do media codes of practice say about the reporting of suicide? When do the media report on suicide?

When is it in the “public interest” to report a suicide When is it in the “public interest” to report a suicide? How can harm be minimised?

When reporting or covering suicide, it is important to be accurate and present the audience with the most reliable and current information. How much do we know about current rates of suicide in Australia?

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

ABS revisions to the Causes of Death Data The ABS began a significant quality assurance process in 2010 to improve the quality of coding of deaths data. This new process has involved revising the Causes of Death data from 2007 by including any subsequently closed coronial cases that had failed to reach a conclusion ahead of the original ABS cut off period for that year. In 2012, a final revision of 2008 data and first revision of 2009 data took place. ABS has now also completed the process with final data for 2007 and 2006.

So what are the suicide trends in this country So what are the suicide trends in this country? Is the problem getting worse?

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Why should the media consider the ways they cover suicide? Research shows that in some cases, reporting of suicide has been linked to increased rates of actual suicide. Although healthy members of the community are unlikely to be affected, people who are in despair are often unable to consider alternative solutions to their problems. People may be influenced by a media report, particularly where they identify with the person in the report (as either someone like them or some they want to be –i.e. a celebrity).

Why should the media consider the ways they cover suicide? (cont) People may also be affected where suicide is romanticised, glamorised or otherwise portrayed as an acceptable course of action. The way in which suicide is reported is significant, in that responsible reporting may actually help reduce suicide rates. Reports should consider ways to minimise harm when stories need to be covered and maximise help-seeking information in all reports.

Issues to consider: suicide Placement-avoid giving undue prominence or repeated coverage to reports on suicide or attempted suicide. How many stories have been in the media in recent times? Language -avoid using the word “suicide” especially in the headline or lead & avoid language which sensationalises or suggests that suicide is a desirable outcome. Use ‘took his own life’ rather than ‘committed suicide’ Use ‘cluster of deaths’ instead of ‘suicide epidemic’ Use attempt on his/her life ’instead of ‘unsuccessful suicide’

Issues to consider: suicide Method and location -avoid discussion of the method or visuals or descriptions of the location. e.g. use ‘cocktail of drugs’ instead of detailing the medications. e.g. use ‘local lookout’ rather that describing the location. Context-link suicide with underlying risk factors –i.e. that suicide is often related to mental health problems and other social risk factors. Does drought itself really ‘cause’ suicide? Does bullying really ‘cause’ suicide?

Issues to consider: suicide Grief and loss -Treat the bereaved with sensitivity, and respect their privacy. In small communities who are the ‘bereaved’? Promote help-seeking -add (or announce) crisis counselling numbers or other support services in reports. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia: 1300 78 99 78 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Is there a difference between covering an individual suicide and covering suicide as an issue?

What about murder-suicide? What about deaths in custody or deaths in hospitals?

How can students get more information? The Mindframe webpage www.mindframe-media.info is designed to give background information, facts and stats, and access to the “Fact or fiction?” resource. Stigma Watch site at www.sane.org

A final word… Talking about sensitive issues such as mental illness and suicide can be difficult. If you are troubled by anything we have discussed today, you can: See the University Counselling Service Speak to your GP Talk to a family member or friend Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Call SANE Australia on 1800 18 SANE