KATHMANDU, Oct 4: With suicidal thoughts, growing as a significant public health issue, Psychologist and Suicidologist are urging journalists to stop glorifying suicides, when reporting suicide related events. Experts in the field, urged media to adopt more sensitive approaches, while covering the cases of suicide and related incidents.

“Glorification of suicide is very harmful. It becomes crucial to keep in mind how the media portrays the news of suicide,” Dr Shyam Prasad Lohani, a Suicidologist, said during the MediaTalk series-xxxvi, organized by the Faculty of Journalism, Department of Major Arts, St. Xavier’s College. The series-xxxvi was organized in collaboration with the Mannveshan Club of Psychology.

Another key speaker, Aprajita Jha, an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner stressed the significance of helping individuals in moments of distress and despair. “If you are able to help in the exact moment, then you should because the empathy that one shows for a few minutes can help regularize the person.” She also stressed the need for self-awareness, emphasizing that; one must identify their emotions, choices, and true desires through three important questions, “What am I feeling right now? What are my choices? And what do I truly want?”

The event, focused on “Preventative Strategies in Coping with Suicidal Thoughts,” aimed to equip students with tools to prevent suicidal ideation. The college has been engaging students in suicide prevention efforts for the past four years.

 
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