Suicide is a public health issue. Media and online coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Please use the following information when talking about suicide, suicide prevention.

Before reporting on suicide or talking to reporters, please take a few minutes to read the AFSP Ethical Reporting Guidelines for Media to learn the safest and most effective ways to talk with the media. Please share this information with reporters with whom you work.

More Links:

• AFSP Toolkit for Entertainment Professionals, Reporters, and Social Media Influencers

• American Association of Suicide and WHO Reporting Guidelines

• SAVE.org Media Resources

  
  

When discussing suicide and suicide prevention, we encourage using the following messages, as developed by a team of suicide prevention experts in Colorado.

Primary Message

• Suicide is a health issue that can be prevented.

Secondary Messages

• There is hope. There is help.

• Suicide is everyone’s business.

• Learn how to talk about suicide.

• Asking for help [when you are feeling suicidal] is courageous.

• Know the warning signs of suicide.