Journalists called on to report responsibly on suicide
... as Namibia records 475 deaths in one year
Namibia recorded 475 suicides over the span of the previous financial year ending March, a slight decrease from 542 deaths by suicide the previous year, according to Namibian Police data.
Although the national rate dropped from 17 to 15 suicides per 100 000 people, officials warn that suicide remains a serious public health concern.
Delivering remarks at a media engagement on suicide prevention and responsible reporting last Thursday, Helen Mouton, acting director of developmental social welfare services in the health ministry, urged the media to approach suicide coverage with “thoughtfulness, sensitivity and care.”
“Between April and August this year, 122 persons died of suicide. During the same period last year, the number was 154,” Mouton said. “But we suspect the figure will change from September once we receive updated statistics from [the police].”
She acknowledged that, despite the decline, many Namibians feel that suicides are on the rise.
“If you ask any person in Namibia now, they might feel that things have gotten out of hand,” she said. “From what we have received, and how it was reported in the media, it gives a very bleak picture.”
Media’s power and responsibility
Mouton emphasised that suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue. She underscored that while no single factor explains it, there is clear evidence that the media can influence public behaviour either positively or negatively.
“We might think we know what leads to suicide, but I don’t think we will ever fully, fully comprehend [it],” she said. “However, there is overwhelming and ever-increasing evidence that the media can play a significant role in either enhancing prevention or weakening our prevention efforts.”
She cautioned that irresponsible or sensational reporting could unintentionally trigger imitation among vulnerable people. “Following media reports of suicide, particularly if the coverage is extensive, prominent or explicitly describes the method, there is a risk of imitating behaviours,” she stressed.
“The risk is particularly pronounced if the story involves a person of high social status or someone who can be easily identified with, such as a person of the same age, sex or ethnicity.”
Mouton added that responsible journalism requires considering not only factual accuracy but also how stories may affect public perception.
“It’s not a matter only of reporting it like it is,” she said. “With suicide reporting, it’s a bit more complex. It’s not whether it’s factual or not – it’s how it’s going to influence public thinking and behaviour.”
Report with hope and purpose
Mouton urged journalists to practise proactive and constructive reporting, highlighting stories of survival, recovery and prevention rather than tragedy.
“Proactive reporting of persons who have survived suicide... has many benefits,” she said. “If a publication features educational information on how to recognise suicidal ideation or warning signs, or explains how to obtain help, and if the narrative focuses on hope and recovery, it will help strengthen our community resilience.”
She appealed for a return to a culture of care and empathy.
“Let us go back to the time when we were everyone’s keeper and took care of each other,” Mouton said. “We are such a small population, one suicide is one death too many.”
Consider suicide contagion
The engagement brought together journalists, mental health professionals and civil society representatives to discuss responsible suicide reporting, media ethics and preventing suicide contagion.
“If our nation is not physically and mentally healthy, we will perish,” Mouton said. “It doesn’t matter how many resources or funds we have. Let us join together in this conversation, confident that through collaboration and commitment, we can reshape how suicide is reported and strengthen prevention efforts.”
If you need help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available:
Lifeline/Childline Namibia: 061 232 221 (24-hour helpline)
Toll-free number: 116 (from any network)
Ministry of Health and Social Services: Mental Health Directorate - 061 203 9111
Police Emergency Line: 10111
SUPPORT: Acting director of developmental social welfare services, Helen Mouton, urges journalists to report suicide cases with sensitivity and responsibility. PHOTO: ELIZABETH KHEIBES
Although the national rate dropped from 17 to 15 suicides per 100 000 people, officials warn that suicide remains a serious public health concern.
Delivering remarks at a media engagement on suicide prevention and responsible reporting last Thursday, Helen Mouton, acting director of developmental social welfare services in the health ministry, urged the media to approach suicide coverage with “thoughtfulness, sensitivity and care.”
“Between April and August this year, 122 persons died of suicide. During the same period last year, the number was 154,” Mouton said. “But we suspect the figure will change from September once we receive updated statistics from [the police].”
She acknowledged that, despite the decline, many Namibians feel that suicides are on the rise.
“If you ask any person in Namibia now, they might feel that things have gotten out of hand,” she said. “From what we have received, and how it was reported in the media, it gives a very bleak picture.”
Media’s power and responsibility
Mouton emphasised that suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue. She underscored that while no single factor explains it, there is clear evidence that the media can influence public behaviour either positively or negatively.
“We might think we know what leads to suicide, but I don’t think we will ever fully, fully comprehend [it],” she said. “However, there is overwhelming and ever-increasing evidence that the media can play a significant role in either enhancing prevention or weakening our prevention efforts.”
She cautioned that irresponsible or sensational reporting could unintentionally trigger imitation among vulnerable people. “Following media reports of suicide, particularly if the coverage is extensive, prominent or explicitly describes the method, there is a risk of imitating behaviours,” she stressed.
“The risk is particularly pronounced if the story involves a person of high social status or someone who can be easily identified with, such as a person of the same age, sex or ethnicity.”
Mouton added that responsible journalism requires considering not only factual accuracy but also how stories may affect public perception.
“It’s not a matter only of reporting it like it is,” she said. “With suicide reporting, it’s a bit more complex. It’s not whether it’s factual or not – it’s how it’s going to influence public thinking and behaviour.”
Report with hope and purpose
Mouton urged journalists to practise proactive and constructive reporting, highlighting stories of survival, recovery and prevention rather than tragedy.
“Proactive reporting of persons who have survived suicide... has many benefits,” she said. “If a publication features educational information on how to recognise suicidal ideation or warning signs, or explains how to obtain help, and if the narrative focuses on hope and recovery, it will help strengthen our community resilience.”
She appealed for a return to a culture of care and empathy.
“Let us go back to the time when we were everyone’s keeper and took care of each other,” Mouton said. “We are such a small population, one suicide is one death too many.”
Consider suicide contagion
The engagement brought together journalists, mental health professionals and civil society representatives to discuss responsible suicide reporting, media ethics and preventing suicide contagion.
“If our nation is not physically and mentally healthy, we will perish,” Mouton said. “It doesn’t matter how many resources or funds we have. Let us join together in this conversation, confident that through collaboration and commitment, we can reshape how suicide is reported and strengthen prevention efforts.”
If you need help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available:
Lifeline/Childline Namibia: 061 232 221 (24-hour helpline)
Toll-free number: 116 (from any network)
Ministry of Health and Social Services: Mental Health Directorate - 061 203 9111
Police Emergency Line: 10111
SUPPORT: Acting director of developmental social welfare services, Helen Mouton, urges journalists to report suicide cases with sensitivity and responsibility. PHOTO: ELIZABETH KHEIBES
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