What is not working and what can be improved in suicide communication?

“ If the Papageno effect is known by the journalist, they will be able to face their work with a lending hand ”

In previous published news, we have addressed the importance of responsible communication about suicidal behavior and how reporting about it can help in suicide prevention.

Molo Cebrián, communicator, psychology student and creator of the podcast "Entiende tu Mente" in which he deals with different topics related to mental health, opens about two essential topics: What difficulties do communication professionals face when reporting news related to suicide, and what remains to be done to ensure good communication about suicide?

Regarding first question , Molo, with his extensive experience in writing and despite the fact that he does not currently work in a traditional media, believes that "in general we don’t have enough knowledge to create a story that takes care of the elements that can make an article, report or news piece, a content suitable to be consumed by a person with suicidal ideation or a survivor. In some cases, it does not help, that the quality of a piece of news is measured by the number of clicks it has raised". Moreover, in an interview by El Magazine Cultural, Molo highlights the advantages of new formats such as podcasts to reach the listeners, allowing to address sensitive issues such as mental health problems.

On the other hand, he considers training and awareness of communications professionals something essential.  "If the journalist is aware that any person at some point in their life can have suicidal ideations and that some stimuli are capable of bringing them closer to or moving them away from that stage, the path of co-responsibility becomes an option. If the journalist walks away from clichés and knows not only the reality of the copycat effect -which has traditionally been talked about in communication faculties- but also the papageno effect, they will be able to face their work with truthfulness and a lending hand. However, it seems obvious that this training and awareness should begin at the highest levels of each newsroom."