WHAT FILMMAKERS AND OTHERS WORKING ON STAGE AND SCREEN CAN DO TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUICIDE PREVENTION?

Include characters and narratives displaying resilience and effective ways of dealing with problems Where possible, include characters who display resilience and positive coping strategies that enable them to deal with life stressors, feelings of sadness, and/or suicidal thoughts (5-7). Depictions of efforts to access relevant services, of overcoming stressors or crises, and of coping with stress and recovery are incredibly important for inclusion. It is helpful to convey a message that change is possible, even in desperate circumstances. Outline how to get help from support services. 

Provide contact details for support services which can provide support to anyone affected by the story’s content (8). These are services with clear governance structures as well as specially trained and accredited professionals

or volunteers – e.g. crisis lines for telephone calls and text messages, suicide prevention helplines, or mental health services. When a video containing the theme of suicide and/or self-harm is uploaded to an online platform, the

provision of information on quality-assured support services by online platform administrators may aid prevention efforts. In many instances, these are adapted to local circumstances. It should be noted, however, that the inclusion of contact details for support services does not protect from harmful effects. Show the potential positive value of support

from friends, family and others Provide examples of how friends, family members and the wider community can help and support vulnerable

persons by, for instance, responding to expressions of sadness and/or a wish to harm oneself, actively listening,

displaying a willingness to support the suicidal person, encouraging the person to seek professional help and to

use helplines and other community help that is available. Avoid depicting the act or method of suicide. Avoid showing the act of suicide as this can increase imitative (copycat) behaviour (9). Showing images of the body following the suicidal act should also be avoided.

A narrative surrounding the person’s death by a family member or friend could be used as an alternative way to let the audience know that the character has died by suicide or made a suicide attempt. The inclusion of details in such a narrative (e.g. the method used) is also not advised.

Base storylines on real life

Depictions of fictional and non-fictitious events should not deviate from real life. Portrayals of suicide should

avoid simplifying, glamourizing or otherwise presenting events unrealistically. Attention should be paid to the previous point of not depicting the act or method of

suicide. Special caution must be used when telling the story of a suicide which occurred at a location that is

frequently associated with people taking their own life. It

is important to avoid further suicides at that location.

In fictional events in films and on stage, it is important

to paint a picture, informed by research, that accurately

represents the real lives of people experiencing suicidal

behaviour and those caring for, treating or working with

them (5, 10).