Warning: Mention of suicide
In the fast-paced world of journalism, where breaking news often takes precedence over deeper reflection, Cebu City veteran journalist Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon sparks a thought-provoking conversation about responsible reporting on suicide.
Her voice resonated at the Department of Health-Health Promotion Bureau’s (DOH-HPB) Media Conference on Engaging Media for Health Literacy seminar from September 25 to 26 at Harolds Evotel in Cebu City.
Palaubsanon mentioned a lawyer in her city who allegedly committed suicide while her friend covered the incident live on social media, prompting her to intensify her support for mental health advocacy.
It’s heartbreaking to see this kind of footage online. It’s not just the media; it’s everyone should be educated about suicide. It’s not a laughing matter,” she said, following advice to take the video down.
She believed that everyone, not just the media, should use social media responsibly, especially when posting about suicides and tragic incidents, to prevent “copycat suicides.”
She noticed that these reports, sensationalized and stripped of context, could unintentionally distort the public’s understanding of mental health.
“Be more sensitive and sympathetic when interviewing the victim’s relative. Do not sensationalize suicide reporting,” she said.
Rodley Desmond Daniel Carza, Director III from the DOH-HPB, said mental health topics were highlighted in the fourth batch of the media conference in support of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The topics discussed included the Philippine Council for Mental Health Strategic Plan, the National Mental Health Survey, and the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
Batid naming mahalaga ang papel na ginagampanan ng media in improving health literacy and in shaping individuals’ behavior,” Carza underscored the critical role of the media in reporting health-related news.
(We recognize the important role that media plays in improving health literacy and in shaping individuals’ behavior.)
The conference aims to improve media practitioners’ understanding of fundamental health concepts and terminologies, promoting accurate usage, mutual understanding, and unbiased reporting.
Aside from her crusade to promote ethical reporting on mental health, Palaubsanon advocates for self-care through physical activities, as she has previously experienced panic or anxiety attacks.
In a recent life-and-death situation, she provided peer support to a fellow journalist who was contemplating suicide, offering advice and someone to talk to.
According to Dr. Noel Reyes, Medical Center Chief II from the National Center for Mental Health, there have been 2,108 suicide-related calls received as of August 31, 2024, in the National Center for Mental Health hotline in Region 7.
The primary reasons for the calls are anxiety or depressive symptoms. Second on the list are love or relationship problems, and third are family problems.
Local media practitioners, the Communication Management Unit of the DOH Visayas Center for Health Development, and information officers from Regions 6, 7, and 8 attended the event.
Responsible reporting on mental health and suicide is crucial. Media practitioners should approach these topics with empathy, sensitivity, and ethical considerations to shape public understanding and perceptions. (AAC, PIA Leyte)
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 or 1800-1888-1553 (a Nationwide landline toll-free number) or consider contacting 0917-899-8727 or 0966-351-4518 (Globe/TM) or 0919-057-1553 (Smart/Sun/TNT). Your well-being is important, and support is available.
