Suicide Prevention

-Automatic translation

The suicide rates in Iceland have not changed much in recent decades. All preventive work that can reduce the number of suicides is essential. Since the risk and protective factors of suicides tend to be a complex interaction of social and mental risk factors, preventive work should be carried out in many areas, such as healthcare, social services, and schools, and through open and informed discussion in society. The media plays a significant role in that.

Media coverage can be important in prevention

The media can share new knowledge in suicide prevention and possibly prevent suicide by providing essential and helpful information.

With increased knowledge guidelines for the media have been published worldwide, and some studies have shown that suicide rates have decreased following their publication. In recent years, more studies have looked at the positive effects of media coverage, and they suggest that news of individuals who have overcome their difficulties and suicidal thoughts can lead to a reduction in the incidence of suicidal behaviour.

Papageno effect

Responsible media coverage and its protective effect on suicide rates has been called the Papageno effect by Papageno from Mozart's The Magic Flute, who contemplates suicide but abandons the idea after seeing other constructive ways.

• Suicide and the media. Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir. Vísir. September 6, 2023. (Icelandic)

• Criteria for reducing stigmatizing discussion of mental health issues in the media (Icelandic)