THIS is a topic I’ve written on many times but still have never seen a change. Today (again) I would like to talk about the effects that the media can have on our overall mental health. Media includes newspapers, television, radio, internet and of course social media. At this time of existence, I believe it can be categorized as a necessity or daily need. Many of us wake up and almost immediately check our favourite kind of media. How else are we going to know what’s going on right?

Media, in general, has the power to strengthen or weaken a society. A perfect example would be the racial discrimination happening within the United States right now. It allowed many of the African American community to come together while at the same time, almost forced the rest of the world to believe that most Americans are prejudiced.

The media affects our perception, opinions, attitudes, behaviours and our beliefs- it is one of the biggest influences in the world. We go buy the most expensive phone as the media almost portrays it as a necessity. We dislike people or places that we have never met or been to simply because the media portrays them negatively. Most of the time, we aren’t even aware and are unconsciously affected.

I’m surely not saying that the media is solely bad as it has countless benefits which including staying up to date with current events, remain in contact with loved ones, and most importantly is one of the biggest sources of general education. However, what happens if the public awareness being created is focusing on the wrong aspects of the topics? What if the wrong idea of what is important is going out into the world? The easiest example of this would be how fame and fortune are instantly perceived as success but how the fame materialised is disregarded.

Studies show that the media has a direct effect on our mental and physical health. The research shows that too much television can increase the possibility of obesity. Certain programs can causes issues with self-esteem and subsequent eating disorders. Too much violent programming can increase violent behaviour (especially in children). Certain T.V and radio shows can promote irresponsible sexual behaviour.

It has also been no secret that the suicide rate drastically increased in Guyana because of how it was being reported. It was common to see the person who died from suicide -as well as when, how and why they took their own lives – on the front page of multiple newspapers. This promotes the wrong kind of education. The way that mental health is reported in the local media almost encourages stigma and discrimination. Our media typically portrays the mentally ill and substance abusers as aggressive, dangerous, untrustworthy, and undeserving, hindrances to the community. Even if rehabilitated, this prevents the individual from living a normal and productive life. It prevents them from developing sufficient self-esteem and confidence which is needed for continued rehabilitation.

How can this be prevented? 
It is fantastic when media brings mental illness to public attention as it raises general awareness, changes attitudes and beliefs on the topic as well as breaks the discomfort and stigma that is usually present in the conversation. However, if proper guidelines aren’t followed, it can do more harm than good.

I’m going to offer some tips to the media, using the specific example of suicide which hopefully will be taken into consideration.

Firstly, leave out unnecessary details of the suicide. This includes a picture of the person, why they did it, how they did it, their address, or whether the method is “quick” or “painless”. Including information on how and why a person decided to take their own life can cause imitation. It can teach others ideas of how to commit the act, especially if it is “advertised” as quick. You can be informative yet vague. Reporting that someone died due to ingestion is okay while mentioning what and how much they used is not. It is also incorrect to report a definite reason as there is never any one reason why someone may take their own life. If you report specific reasons, vulnerable audiences may be able to identify with that, resulting in an attempt of their own. Disclosing personal information can also intrude on the grief process of the people closest to them.

More importantly, this information has graced the front page of the newspaper countless times but I have yet to see the Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers on the front page. This means that the media is promoting the problem rather than the solution.

Include a written or spoken piece from a family member or friend that was left behind. Most people who attempt to or take their own lives believe that those they leave behind would be better off. They feel like a burden to those around them. If you include a piece from a friend or family member who is in pain, it may change that opinion in someone who may be considering suicide.

Guyana has also been branded as a low educated population. This doesn’t just mean school drop- out and/or illiteracy. Having insufficient education includes not knowing what help is available within your community. It should be the media’s responsibility to spread that awareness. That being said, do sufficient research when reporting on specific topics. If you are reporting on a case where someone was heavily using drugs, end the piece by telling the audience where they can get rehabilitated. If you are covering a murder-suicide, inform everyone where help is available for domestic violence. We already know what the problem is- offer some sort of solution.

Simply because something is legal to print, does not make it moral. Reporting on mental illnesses and suicide requires empathy, sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The media must accept responsibility and fairly decide what is in the public’s best interest.

Thank you for reading and please send in any questions, comments or topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. 
 
Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 
Open 24 hours! 

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!