Heya,
Through the work I’ve been doing with RUOK Day, I was lucky enough to put in touch with a guy named Marc from the organistaion MindFrame to discuss the implications of talking about suicide and mental health in the media in general, and through my blog in particular.
For those who don’t know, especially those who aren’t Aussies, MindFrame is the peak body in Australia for regulating how, when and why suicides are reported in the press. I had a fairly long, graphic conversation with Marc- there were points there where he forgot he was talking to someone bereaved, adn talked to me like a professional. Which was refreshing to say the least.
I think Marc gave me pretty much a full media briefing, so I won’t go into all of it here.
Just, I guess, the important bits.
There is, really, not a lot of discussion in the Australian media about suicide, and I guess that’s for two reasons. Guidelines don’t exactly discourage it, but they don’t encourage it either. Someone taking their own life has to be incredibly newsworthy for it to be discussed, and with so many guidelines in place….
The lines get blurred and grey. And, I think, it’s just easier not to report it all.
Marc assures me that plenty of suicides are reported in the Austrlain media, and that number is rising. And, since the introduction of the MindFrame guideines in the mid-90′s, the suicide rate is continually dropping.
MindFrame guidelines are just that- guidelines- and they are all evidence based. So, every recommendation- and MindFrame only gives recommendations, it doesn’t so much instruct journalists what to do- is based on numerous studies that support it, rather the opinion of someone or a panel of people.
I think that’s an important distinction to make.
From my conversation with Marc, MindFrame’s guidelines for the reporting of suicide seemed focused on a few things- preventing the contagious effect of copycat suicides, especially when dealing with methods that are easily romanticised or not previously widely published; restricting the meotional impact of people close to the victim, especially in the 48 hours after the victim’s death; and addressing and breaking down stigma that may occur through incorrect use of language. (‘Committed suicide’ is a bad term, because it implies commiting a crime. But attempting suicide is a crim in New South Wales. The use of the word suicide itself is discouraged, with ‘taking one’s own life’ being preferable, for reasons discussed below- glamorisation, and the highlighting effect it can have- for someone with existing suicidal ideations, the word ‘suicide’ will leap off the page at them….)
So… let’s break it down a bit. Most of us have heard of the trend of copycat suicides. It’s, unfortuntely, a very real thing. It’s a danger mostly when the method of suicide is ‘new’- not something a lot of people would think to use; or when it’s in some way romantisiced- usually through the reporting of it in local media, or the way the story spreads through sommuntities and small towns. The scary thing here is the suicide rates in these cases actually increase- people kill themselves using the publicised method who wouldn’t have killed themselves otherwise.
The reporting of sucides also acts as alarm for people who may be suicidal… has anyone in Sydeny wondered why suicides at The Gap are no longer reported in our local media…? Because it might seem like a very good idea at the time, for someone. Someone who may not have had that direct impulse otherwise.
Access to method is such a huge risk factor.
However, in some cases it’s been found that the reporting of a suicide actually decreases, rather than increases the risk of suicide. the page I’ve linked to references the suicide of Kurt Cobain… I can’t help but wonder if maybe this was a flow on effect from the amount of time dedicated to the story, and the basic rhetoric that this was a talented man with a lot to life for… a wasted life who left a lot of pain behind for others.
Even with all that discussion, there is a ‘but’ here…as Marc was quick to point out, all of these studies, all this evidence, it comes from studies of traditional, commercial media.
Social media is a whole new thing, and a whole different ball game.
Traditional media generally looks for grabs and soundbites, a quick, watered down version of a story to fill a sixty second spot. There is no time to show the ramifications of the true after effects of a suicide.. no time to show the broken family left behind, the huge hole that cannot just be filled in with other things, no matter what you may think.
No studies have been done on the impact of discussing suicide in the social media- blogs, Twitter, YouTube- as yet.
***
So… at the end of all this- and while this is kind of The Dummies Guide To MindFrame, I do hope I got all the salient points across- I asked Marc… what was his recommendation for this place, for RRSAHM… for this ugly post in particular?
And… there are none. MindFrame simply puts the guidelines out there, and it’s the responsibility of the journalist, reporter or blogger to take from them what they will, decide what is newsworthy and in the public interest, and what is possibly detrimental.
The questions Marc asked me, to ask myself, were… Do I really need to use the word hanging, do I need to go into that much detail? And, what’s the effect of this writing on the family concernced?
I’ve thought long and hard about this… not just now, but every day since I published that bloody post.
The effect on the family concernced…? Well. Whatever damage that’s been done, has been done there, I think. And, hey, a large part of the family concernced is me. And this helps more than hurts.
So that leaves us with… is all that detail hurting, or helping?
It’s certainly not romanticised, in any way. There is nothing pretty about it, and it shows quite clearly the pain associated with a suicide… not just for us, but for Tony as well.
I can’t see anything in that post, or anywhere on this blog, that would trigger a suicide, or make it even vaguely appealing. But I have been accused of that, right from the start.
The feedback I get tells me that this blog has the oppisite effect… that people who are thinking of taking their own lives come here, read all this, and reconsider. But then I wonder, do I only receive the positive feedback? Is the negative hidden and unspoken about?
I still have not made up my mind. And I would really like the opinion of my fellow bloggers, readers, Tweeters and the RRSAHM public in general.
Please, feel free to leave a comment telling me what you think on the subject. I’m practising a definite level of emotional detachment, so don’t worry about hurting my feelings.
I’ll blog again soon with a solid desicion, if there is to be one at all.
Cheers.
For the sake of an open and honest discussion, anonymous comments are back on. Let’s keep it clean, folks, be nice, and not abuse the privilege.
Another recommendation from MindFrame is to always include help numbers at the end of aticles where suicide is discussed. That seems pretty damn logical to me. This info is available in easy-to-digest form on the RUOK Day website.
For immdiate help call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or the Suicide CallBack Service on 1300 659 467.
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
LOL! you champion, that's such a cute quote. Lilo and Stitch FTW. Good on you, it's so good for the kidlets to have a pet, especially during such a rough period of change in their little egocentric worlds. I think she'll be a good friend to you too, just quietly
take care xox
Of course Scarlette should go – I read somewhere – "every boy needs a dog, and a mother wise enough to give him one"
Hope the move goes as well as it can, and taking the wonderful Scarlette – as if you could really leave her behind … cause as you say, the Chop is now her master and every boy needs his dog. xxx
Dogs is important!!!!
They are the most loyal creature and also the most accepting. They ask nothing and give everything. You will enjoy Scarlette again. She's part of your family.
Safe move and peace in familiar surrounds. X
"Like"
I love pets. Not as much dogs as cats, but I still love them. I've often said that when I have kids if for some reason my new baby is allergic to my cats, I'll have to find a good home for the baby.
Glad you're taking her along, and hoping she'll being you some happiness.
love and peace,
Marianna
Scarlette is so beautiful, I am glad to hear that you are able to take her with you. When Andrew and I named our cat, Hailey, I regretted it too, wishing that I would have saved that name for a daughter – although, when I tell my daughter that, she exclaims that she is so glad that we didn't name her Hailey!
I follow your blog always Lori, but this just made me cry! I'm so glad you're taking her with you. She might not be a person, but she will love you unconditionally, and always give as long as she can.
Excellent.
Rental, plus country town and dog should be an easier combination than finding a rental with a dog in the city. Especially if you have been a home owner.
Scarlette reminds me of my (late) dog Georgia, who had my whole heart and then some. My ex and I named her Georgia because the first time she made any noise in our presence, it was when "Georgia On My Mind" started playing on the radio. Glad Scarlette is staying with you. She sounds like family.
Gotta love that supportiveness in anyone. I'm glad Chop has a chum.
I am glad.
It is fantastic news that she is coming with you, and Chop and Bump will love playing with her I am sure.
Good luck with your move xx
PS – one of our dogs is a staffy too, and anytime someone here is sick or hurt, she gets very upset and tries to work out a way to do something too
I'm so happy to hear it! My son loves to use our two dogs as a pillow too! He also gets into this trance likes state when he strokes their ears, it's like a relaxing drug to him. She'll be there for your Chop:)
You're right – good dogs are hard to find, and she does sound like a good one. I'm glad you're able to take her with you – I imagine she'll be a comfort to you and the kids. Thinking of you today.
I'm so glad you're taking Scarlette with you. I'm a bit soppy about certain dogs – I strongly believe that the right dog can help a family get back on its feet – mine certainly has!
http://autism-somethoughts.blogspot.com/2010/06/claude.html
Good luck with your move, Lori xxxxx
Life is never the same without the bloody dog. Bloodu relieved you are all staying together.
Oh, she's coming alright. I reckon you'd have Buckleys of leaving her behind. Look at that little face!! x
Your fur baby will multiply the love in your house ten-fold. Just sit and watch Chop and Bump play with Scarlette – it will warm you heart (I hope!)
So glad your girl is going with you. She needs you.
xxxxxx
Scarlette looks like a champion dog ( Staffys usually are! ). And also ? " Lilo and Stitch " rocks – my sister and i say that line to each other all the time…
I walk a couple of staffies for a friend. Dreadful on the lead but lovely lovely dogs. All families need a pet. I'm so pleased she stays with you xxx
At first i was reading this thinking you were going to ask for someone to take your dog.
I was falling in love with your dog, and screaming "Take her with you! Screw the rental, she's worth it! She's your baby too!"
I am so freaking glad you're taking her with you.
Oh she is such a loyal and gorgeous dog, I'm glad you are keeping her as she is a part of your family as much as your kids are too. I hope she settles well with the kids too. I'm glad you are feeling better, it shows in your beautiful writing that you are making steps for your new life.
hugs Adalita
Scarlette's earned her place in the family…
Lovely!
Good on you you'r taking the dog along.
My boys would need a dog too.
That made me want to cry hearing how loyal she was at such a terrible time! Gorgeous dog, so glad your taking her. She is definitely part of the family!
Hope the move goes smoothly and love and all the good stuff shines on your new life xx
What a lovely post. Scarlette sounds like a sweetheart. Certainly cheeky, but a sweetheart. x
Oh that's love. It's true every boy needs a dog. x
Nawwwwww….so happy that bloody dog is going to move with you,she looks beautiful.
A special friend with a special bond. At least she doesn't talk back!
Oh as I was reading that I thought you were going to rehome her, I'm so glad she gets to move to a new life with you guys xx
What a good, and sooo gorgeous dog. I am glad your kids have her, and in time I think you'll be glad you kept her too. Good dogs can be hard to find. And she was good to Tony, right to the end.
Oh phew, so glad 'That Bloody Dog' will stay with you. Speaking of names we had two goats when we got married (our practise babies). We named them Ollie and Nelly. And then when we had children I was grumpy we didn't call the girl goat Daisy, as we first thought, because Nelly would be a great girls' name. And with three girls we were running out names! Good luck with the move Lori xx
Beautiful, Lori. So glad you can take her with you. x
Oh she's so cute! So pleased she gets to go too.
L
Oh man I was wondering where you were going with that. I was poised ready to call you to say I'll take her … so glad I don't have to, because I don't have your number
I love the word Ohana – and am very glad noone gets left behind. xxx
I'm so glad to hear you're taking your furbaby with you. Yes, dogs can be an absolute PITA, but no more so than humans – and she's so beautiful.
I hope the move goes smoothly for you and that it helps to heal your heart just a teensy bit more.
Also just wanted to say that I'm still here, reading every post, I just never know what to say. Everything I write just seems to look wrong & pointless on the screen. But there isn't a single day that goes by that I don't think of you and send love and thoughts your way.
Looking forward to meeting you from afar on the weekend xx
Your ending quote says it all… We left our cats in Canada when we moved to Australia a year and a half ago and we all still miss them terribly…
Dogs are family. Map Guy and I use the Ohana quote all the time, I love it.
Scarlette is beautiful
oh my..that looks like a lovely dog..
and she sounds good too, indeed.
i am glad you don't (have to) give her away..
x
That's awesome. I think it's great that you let the kids keep the dog.
She is a lovely shade of chocolate isnt she? PS i found the easter egg…
Staffy's are beautiful! she is a lovely colour
She is gorgeous.
Love this! Seriously brought tears to my eyes!
The last few lines and photo done it! :p
That bloody *awesome* dog x
I'm with Annie, thought you were going to tell us how beautiful she was and that you needed a loving home. So glad to hear she's staying with you. x
You need to take your Staffy. xx