Engaging Television for Public Education and Counselling on Suicide: a Case Example from Ghana

Abstract

This article presents a case example of media engagement for public education and counselling on suicide in Ghana. Data were drawn from 11 telephone interviews that assessed the impact a TV program had on persons experiencing suicidal crisis. Qualitative content analysis showed that the program helped to reduce the crisis by offering an empathic identification with suicidal persons. Hope induction and opportunity for seeing options, as well as provision of direct help or links to available help resources also emerged. Given the deep-seated stigma of suicide in Ghana, the media can serve a critical role in anti-stigma suicide campaigns and public education towards effective suicide prevention in Ghana.