The death of Robin Williams is a shock that resonates with us all. The realization that someone who made us all laugh was suffering from a major depressive disorder is confusing for many of us. National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine has been encouraged that so many of Maine’s newspapers, radio and television outlets have used William’s suicide as an opportunity to talk about the prevalence of depression and the loss of hope that often accompany this condition. The goal of all this attention has largely been to share the message that help is available and recovery is possible.
Unfortunately, we have also seen national and regional news organizations that have sensationalized the suicide of Williams and reported the means of his death in graphic detail. Best practice suggests that reporters follow clear standards in reporting a death by suicide. Sharing graphic details can increase the risk to people who are vulnerable, increasing the risk of copycat suicides.
NAMI Maine urges the responsible and appropriate reporting of all issues related to mental health including death by suicide. We must all talk about mental health and illness in a way that leads people to seek help and supports recovery.
Jenna Mehnert, executive director, NAMI Maine
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