Spotlight On: Reporting on Depression & Suicide

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Reporting on Depression & Suicide Prevention
Recognize that Depression is Treatable,
Suicide is Preventable, and Help is Available

Congratulations to the 2nd Annual Media & Mental Health Award Winners!

Click here to see the list of winners.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin receiving a recognition award for her work on suicide prevention at the 2nd Annual Media & Mental Health Awards in Pittsburgh, PA from Joni Schwager, Executive Director of the Staunton Farm Foundation.

All too often individuals may find themselves experiencing symptoms of depression, and due to feelings of shame or uncertainty may decide not to seek out help or support.The first step in averting suicide is recognizing that depression is treatable and suicide is in fact preventable. Consider asking questions that showcase your subject's realization that ending their life was not the only option and highlight the importance of seeking out help and support from others.

Consider the following when reporting on the topic of depression and suicide:

Thoughts of suicide are complex and suicidal behaviors are not immediate. Subjects experiencing symptoms of depression or considering ending their life will be much more relatable — and, therefore, make for a more effective story—if they are written or reported on with depth and profundity.

Professional psychiatric care, psychotherapy, and especially a combination of the two, can save lives when needed. Think about ways that you can incorporate community mental health services and support into your story.

Studies Show...

A type of psychotherapy called cognitive therapy has been shown to reduce the rate of repeated suicide attempts by 50 percent during a year of follow-up. Cognitive therapy helps individuals consider alternative actions when thoughts of self-harm arise. Specific kinds of psychotherapy may be helpful for specific groups of people. For example, in people with borderline personality disorder, a recent study showed that a treatment called dialectical behavior therapy reduced suicide attempts by half.

Learn More!

RSVP Today!
Veterans: Return, Reconnect, & Reintegrate Community Forum

Please join us on:

Friday, November 30, 2012
9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Hilton Garden Inn, Pittsburgh Southpointe
1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg PA

Lunch will be provided.

To attend the forum click the link below to register.

RSVP

First Draft

EIC's FREE resource to the creative community
offering access to experts on this and
many other topics.

To set up your own FREE First Draft Consultation Contact: Susan Brozek Scott at sbscott@eiconline.org or 412-485-2151.

Suicide Prevention
Lifeline

If you or someone you know is battling depression or thoughts
of suicide

Call

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
at

1 800 273 TALK (8255)

to speak with a counselor today!

For Veterans Press 1

The 16th Annual PRISM

Awards Showcase is available Online & On-Demand including a special localized version for SWPA!

Dr. Drew Pinsky hosts the
16th Annual PRISM Awards Showcase!

Click here for the full airing schedule.

Click here for the specialized local SWPA version of the PRISM Awards.

Established in 2010, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is a public-private partnership developed to guide the implementation of the goals and objectives in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP). Its mission is to advance the NSSP by championing suicide prevention as a national priority; catalyzing efforts to implement high priority objectives of the NSSP; and cultivating the resources needed to sustain progress.

Click here to view the recently released:
2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action

"There is strong evidence that a comprehensive public health approach is effective in reducing suicide rates."

- Action Alliance Home Page

For More Information:

actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org

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www.eiconline.org/swpa

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