Lifeline Ukraine since 2019 has been accepting calls 24/7 on the suicide prevention hotline 7333. We are a psychological service that handles crisis requests of varying complexity and provides consultations to callers on the topic of mental health support and suicide prevention.
Rules for responsible media coverage of the topic of suicide:
- It is recommended to avoid covering high-profile suicide cases, especially those involving well-known individuals (the concept of a well-known person has significantly expanded now, as many have active social media accounts). Do not post photographs of the deceased, descriptions of suicide methods, or locations where they occurred. Highlighting such details can spark curiosity and may provoke fatal imitation.
- Remember that suicide cases are a tragedy, not a sensation. Therefore, when publishing such material, it should only be placed on the inner pages of print publications. It is inappropriate to highlight this on the main pages of websites, television news, and other resources.
- The information about the case should be presented in an objective, non-selective manner, emphasizing that suicide is the result of various factors and that suicide can be prevented by timely recognizing markers of suicidal behavior and seeking help. This perspective is crucial for preventing future cases.
- Do not portray the lives of the individuals in the story as victims. Instead, focus on compassion for the relatives of the deceased and the need to develop a suicide prevention system.
- It is necessary to publish articles that truthfully illuminate the causes of suicide, materials on how to identify warning signs of suicidal behavior, and ways to solve life's challenges and adaptation difficulties.
- If the person who committed suicide had a mental disorder, this should be discussed with great caution. A mental disorder can be a risk factor, but it is far from being present in every case of suicidal behavior.
- Also, it is not recommended to publish suicide notes, use religious or cultural stereotypes for explaining such an act, or blame others. However, references and contacts of organizations that provide psychological assistance can be useful, as there are specialized organizations and support services in Ukraine.
Lifeline Ukraine is one such organization, and our work never stops. Our consultants provide assistance and support 24/7 at number 7333 or in text form on our social networks and in the chat on the website.
