Mass media – risk and protective factor against suicidal behaviour in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Suicide prevention is an ongoing concern of public health policies, and a pressing requirement both in regular times, and especially during exceptional social contexts. Suicide prevention becomes a challenge and requires a special focus during the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of overall uncertainty and insecurity, preserving mental health and implementing suicide prevention strategies are valid and confirmed concerns. The role of media in triggering or precipitating suicide risk has been repeatedly outlined. The current article succinctly reviews the protective role of media and the risk factors for suicide which mass media can influence, to the benefit or detriment of persons at risk for suicide. Starting from the most widely known cases of suicide contagion in fiction or printed press, from Goethe to the Vienna case, this article outlines landmarks for mental health promotion and suicide prevention, myths concerning suicide, and the recommendations of World Health Organization for media reporting of suicide. Fact checking, abandoning sensationalistic and dramatic styles of reporting, providing contact information for available help and accurate information for readers are some of the listed recommendations. The current article emphasizes the preventive role of a responsible approach to information and accurate reporting in the media, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.