Narratives centering hope after suicide attempt can increase help-seeking, say experts

N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group, and other experts at the National Conference on Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Awareness and Compassionate Care organized by Sneha discussed the role of media in suicide reporting. They emphasized the need for collaboration between psychiatrists, counsellors, and media organizations to promote responsible reporting practices. They also highlighted the importance of embedding researchers within newsrooms to improve coverage and address challenges in reaching certain audiences, such as Indian-language media and regional television. Greg Armstrong, Professor at Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, noted that media often simplifies complex suicide narratives and overrepresents specific groups, potentially influencing public perception and policy responses.