‘Report Suicide Cases with Utmost Care’

There is a need for media people and information officers to report suicide news with utmost care.

Doctor Glenda Basubas, president of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA-Cebu) said that sensitivity has to be practiced for reporters and information officers to report cases of suicide.

PMHA-Cebu is one of the guests during the monthly assembly of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CACAMPIO) hosted by the Municipality of Liloan recently.

“Media has so far causes more suicides than preventing it in the manner of reporting,” Basubas said.

This is because in almost all forms, whether in print or broadcast and even in internet news, stories of suicides are mostly sensationalized.

This manner, Basubas said, “glamourized” suicide and makes it as an option instead of coping a problem.

“In reporting suicide cases, there has to be solid information to educate the listeners and readers the surrounding issues, what prompted the victims,” Basubas said.

More importantly is to give the audience needed information such as knowing its kinds, manifestations and tips of determining people with suicidal tendencies and how to help them.

“Media is very powerful, we just hope that there is care in reporting, do not provide very detailed information on the suicide without filling the gap to educate,” Basubas said.

Cynthia Potencioso, a social worker and vice chair of PMHA-Cebu told the information officers that although it is true that there is lack of resources for mental health in the provinces, it does not mean that there is no help.

“Mental wellness is very important and there are organizations such as the PMHA that can help in providing mental services,” Potencioso said.

Image Credit: fijione.tv