Abstract

News reporting on suicidal behaviour can have a considerable influence on suicide and self-harm in the general population.1 This issue is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a rising number of deaths from COVID-19 infection and negative effects of the pandemic on key factors that are associated with suicide, including social isolation, unemployment, and financial problems, there is understandable concern that suicide rates might increase.2 Importantly, news reporting should not add to the potential risks of suicide.

Citations

Keith Hawton, Lisa Marzano, Lorna Fraser, Monica Hawley, Eva Harris-Skillman, Yasmine Xavier Lainez. Reporting on suicidal behaviour and COVID-19—need for caution. Corresondence, Lancet Psychiatry, Nov 5th 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ S2215-0366(20)30484-3

URI: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/orka/title/reporting-on-suicidal-behaviour-and-covid-19-need-for-caution/