framework for successful messaging...successful messaging. 7/2/2018 2 think strategically for best...
TRANSCRIPT
7/2/2018
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Speaking about Suicide:
Tips for
Successful
Messaging
7/2/2018
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Think Strategically
For best results, start by deciding
why you’re messaging, who you
want to reach, and what you want
the audience to do differently
after hearing the message.
Why are you speaking about suicide?
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“
”
Awareness is a necessary
but insufficient step in
creating change.
Communicate for Action vs. Awareness
Opinion polls show that the public is
supportive of suicide prevention in
the abstract, but is less clear about
how to take action.
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Who do you want to reach with your
message?
In 2016…
1.3 million Americans ages 18 and older survived a suicide
attempt (SAMHSA)
44,965 Americans Died from Suicide
822 Oklahomans Died from suicide
1 out of every 62 Americans have lost someone they love
to suicide
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Remember:
Regardless of your target audience -
Every time you speak about suicide,
you are speaking to those who have
been personally impacted.
What do you want your audience to do
differently as a result of your message?
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Universal Goals of Suicide Prevention
Increase Help-seeking Behavior Among Individuals
at Risk
Increase Awareness of Available Resources
Increase Confidence and Competence of
Individuals to Assist Someone at Risk
Keep Messaging Safe
Research shows that certain types of media reports about
suicide deaths may spur imitation of suicidal behavior
among people in despair or already thinking about suicide.
Increase risk associated with:
Repeated, prominent, or sensational coverage
Details about suicide method or location
Portraying suicide as a common or acceptable response to adversity
Glamorizing or romanticizing suicide
Presenting simplistic explanations for suicide
Including personal details that encourage identification with the person who
died
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Say This:
Died of Suicide
Suicide Death
Suicide Attempt
Person Living with Suicidal
Thoughts or Behavior
Suicide
(Accurately Describe the
Behavior)
Instead of This:
Committed Suicide
Successful Attempt
Unsuccessful/Failed Attempt
Suicide Attempter/Ideator
Completed Suicide
Manipulative, Cry for Help,
Suicidal Threat/Gesture
Recovery is ContagiousThe Papageno Effect
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Share a Positive Narrative
A positive narrative might include:
Concrete and realistic actions that can be taken by audience members
Examples of effective prevention and intervention efforts
Personal stories of coping, resiliency and recovery
Descriptions of available programs or services
Stories of people helped by particular programs or services
Descriptions of program accomplishments and success
Survival Rates
93%
90%
57%
56%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Suicide Attempt *
Breast Cancer **
Stroke +
Heart Attack ++
++ Eur J Heart Fail. 2012;14(2):176-184. © 2012 Oxford University Press
+ Saebo. December 13, 2017. https://www.saebo.com/stroke-statistics/.
** Cancer.Net. May 23, 2017. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/statistics.
* Means Matter. January 09, 2013. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/means-matter/survival/.
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Survival for Suicide Attempts Requiring
Medical Care
7%
23%
70%
Die from Suicide
Additional Nonfatal attempt
No Further Attempts
Means Matter. January 09, 2013. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/means-matter/survival/.
What NOT to Do
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Examples of Safe Messaging
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Telling your story can
save lives, but only if
you share it safely
Do:
Be at a safe place in your recovery
Define key messages
Practice
Present the narrative
Know your audience
Be honest and comprehensive
Provide mental health resources
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Avoid:
Don’t use phrases like “commit suicide” or “successful
attempt”
Avoid details about suicide methods
Don’t simplify suicide
Don’t glorify suicide
Avoid portraying suicide as an option
What should I share?
Don’t share anything publicly that
you wouldn’t share in private with
your support system.
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The Antidote to Stigma is Recovery
Thank You!
Questions? Comments?
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Shelby Rowe, MBA
Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Manager
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Services
405-248-9274