Responsible reporting on suicide has the power to save lives. How you shape a story will minimize suicide contagion for vulnerable individuals and increase awareness of this major public health issue.
| Ohio Suicide Reporting Guidelines Issued by Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OhioMHAS |
| Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health Issued by The Carter Center and Emory University Includes guidance for reporting on both mental health and substance use. Also see The Carter Center’s online resource library for mental health journalism. |
| Guide for Reporting on Mental Illness Issued by The University of Washington and Harris and Smith Public Affairs |
| Guidelines for Reporting on Violence and Mental Illness The majority of people who live with a mental health condition are non-violent. Research shows that the manner in which media reports on mass shootings or other violence can contribute to contagion (copycat behavior). Responsible reporting can educate the public and reduce the risk of future violence. |
| Mindset Reporting on Mental Health Developed for Canadian journalists, with insights to questions like “Why is stigma an issue for journalists?” |
| TEAM Up TEAM Up of the Entertainment Industries Council offers interview tips, story ideas and sample news articles to support reporters covering mental health and suicide. A style guide is a handy desktop reference on language use and practices. Need background information, statistics, research, or infographics? |
| NAMI Newsroom The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers background information, research, infographics and statistics, and other useful information for journalists covering mental health. |
