Star Gazette plans change in how it reports mental health and suicide calls
January 20, 2012 at 2:39 am in The Hastings Star-Gazette
For many years, this newspaper has held a simple policy in regard to suicides: if it happens in public, we write about it. If it happens in private, we do not write about it. Continue Reading
I would like to applaud the Star Gazette for their concern about mental illness and suicide in their community. I agree that for too long we have swept these issues under the rug and pretended they don’t exist. This contributes to the stigma, perpetuates incorrect information (that one can just “turn off” mental illness at will, etc.), and results in an unawareness of the larger problem. This unawareness can be fatal.
I have lost both my wife and brother to suicide and I don’t want others to have to go through that experience or come to the realization I have the hard way.
True, irresponsible reporting and sensationalization can actually cause suicide in people who are already vulnerable. Responsible reporting, like what has occurred here, can make the public aware and give people a chance to see warning signs in the ones they love and maybe save a life.
It is refreshing to see that there does exist a press that has a conscience and practices their craft responsibly.
Chad, you have my sincere thanks,
Chris Caulkins
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