Journalism Resources

 

Resources for Journalists

Reporting on suicide is an opportunity to address the effects suicide has on families, friends, businesses and communities. It's also a time to take care to avoid a contagion effect where others attempt suicide. The Poynter Institute explains what suicide contagion is, and this press release review ways to decrease the risk of contagion.

A story about suicide should always note the warning signs of suicide, and should give local, state and/or national resources the public can turn to for more information or help.

Before contacting the Department of Health about a suicide-related article, please review these guidelines for safe messaging:

This free online course, Journalism and Trauma, will teach you how traumatic stress affects victims and how to interview trauma victims with compassion and respect.

For communities working with media partners

  • Suicide and Mental Illness in the Media (PDF) is designed to assist people involved in mental health and suicide prevention to effectively communicate with the media about suicide, mental health and mental illness and to promote sensitive and appropriate reporting. It is part of Australia's suicide prevention strategy.

 

Image of do's and don'ts on reporting Suicide

More information

Data and Reports | Grief Support | Hotlines, text, and chat resources | State Actions