In a recent press release, our experts from the Albanian team, Arlinda Cerga Pashoja and Gentiana Qirjako discussed how unethical media coverage of suicide can harm public mental health and potentially trigger imitative (“copycat”) behaviour.
Arlinda emphasised the importance of responsible journalism, outlining how media should report on suicide with sensitivity, accuracy, and restraint and avoiding sensationalism, explicit details, or glorification of the act. Meanwhile, Gentiana highlighted the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) framework, explaining its four-level intervention model that addresses suicide prevention through community engagement, professional training, public awareness, and support for high-risk individuals.