News stories, etc., on suicide-related deaths can be helpful in promoting service areas where at-risk people can find help. They can also be harmful in that they may stimulate some people to attempt suicide. There is confusion about how the subject of suicide should be treated to minimize this danger.
To discourage imitative or copycat suicides, it is important to avoid or minimize:
Specific details of the method
- Descriptions of a suicide as unexplainable (e.g., “He had everything going for him.”)
- Romanticized versions of the reasons for the suicide (e.g., “We want to be together for all eternity.”)
- Simplistic reasons for the suicide (e.g., “Boy takes his own life because he has to wear braces.”)
In addition, the print media can reduce the imitative effect by:
- Printing the story on an inside page
- If the story must appear on the first page, print it below the fold
- Avoid the word “suicide” in the headline
- Avoid printing a photo of the person who completed the suicide"
It is important to report a suicide in a straightforward manner so that the suicide does not appear "exciting". Reports should not make the suicidal person appear admirable, nor should they seem to approve of the suicide.
To encourage prevention of suicide, it is helpful to:
- Present alternatives to suicide (calling a suicide prevention centre, getting counselling, etc.)
- Whenever possible, present examples of positive outcomes of people in suicidal crises
- Provide information on community resources for those who may be suicidal or who know people who are
- Include a list of clues to suicidal behaviour, such as the warning signs of suicide, and what to do
What to Do
- Discuss it openly and frankly
- Show interest and support
- Get professional help
- Call Distress Centres at 416-408-HELP (4357)
Warning Signs of Suicide
Suicide threats
- Statements revealing a desire to die
- Previous suicide attempts
- Sudden changes in behaviour (withdrawal, apathy, moodiness)
- Depression (e.g., crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness)
- Final arrangements, such as giving away personal possessions
AVAILABLE Interviews
Alex is our Survivor of Suicide Loss & Survivor of Homicide Loss Programs Lead for Distress Centres.
A survivor of suicide loss himself, Alex has spent the last thirteen years building a community of support for those who have experienced a similar loss. He has spoken on a variety of topics pertaining to suicide and homicide loss as well as mental health for a wide range of highly acclaimed and grassroots organizations.
As personable as he is knowledgeable, Alex is personally invested in helping each program member find their personal pathway forward.
Alison is our Executive Director at Distress Centres and has dedicated her career to the non-profit and public sectors beginning as a literacy coordinator with the North York Public Library and the Children's Aid Society.
She has held progressively senior positions in volunteer management with the Univerity Health Network (i.e. Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Toronto Rehab hospitals).
She has been the Executive director of Serve (a charity that worked with marginalized youth from the priority neighbourhoods of Toronto), and Spectra Community Support Services (a 24/7 anonymous and confidential multilingual Distress and Crisis line service).
For all media queries
Please contact Talia by filling out the media inquiry form below.
