Suicides: Expert frown at 'irresponsible,' sensational headlines | Lifestyle | Amebo Online Newspaper

By Chinyere Ikem,Lagos

Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, psychiatrist & Mental Health advocate, has cried out over the spate of suicides reported in the country, describing the act as alarming and in need of urgent and effective intervention to nip it in the bud.

She spoke against the backdrop of reported suicides of an ex-RCCG music minister in Abuja, University of Nigeria Nsukka 400-level student and lecturer amongst others in recent time.

In a statement titled "It’s Werther’s Effect Or Copy Cat Suicide' and available to Yankee News in Lagos, Kadiri applauded the promptness of the reports but frowned at the manner of  reportage by both pressmen and non-journalists alike even on social media, saying it was rather aggravating the situation and called for more "responsible" reporting.
She stated, "within the last few days in Nigeria, we have had alarming news on suicides

"Media reporting of suicide plays a pivotal role, hence we need all hands on deck to report these cases responsibly because suicide  is preventable."

The health expert further advised on how journalists, celebrities and others might embrace best practices to minimize the werther’s effect while writing on the said topic.

According to her, "Include information about warning signs of suicide, that it is not a natural or logical outcome of adversity. Instead, include a message of hope that Recovery is possible.
"Avoid stating the means of death. Yes, we are all curious.

Responsible news organizations who feel compelled to include some detail will report it low in the story, but avoid putting it in headlines, teasers, captions, or social text.

"Use neutral photos of the individual. And avoid photos that invoke melancholy. Images of a person who appears peaceful, calm and serene send a message that suicide will get you to that peaceful place.
"Describe suicide trends accurately, and without alarm. Suicide is rising, but not epic, or skyrocketing.
"Choose the passive voice or indirect actors. Although we usually avoid this in good writing, in this case it reduces the agency of the actor. “A note was found.” “Police believe the cause of death was X.”
"Include quotes and advice from suicide prevention experts about what works. More specifically, 'Treatment and intervention work.'
"Use neutral headlines like, Jay Bay dead at 50”.