Restraint:
There are some moments as a student journalist you will never forget. Realizing that you had to report on a two student suicides and one undetermined death within one semester is such a moment.
In the wake of that realization, we as the editors of the Branding Iron decided to discuss our editorial policies in covering suicide.
The “Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide” rightly call suicide a public health issue and warn of the potentially negative outcomes associated with sensationalizing death by suicide.
The BI staff attempts to balance two desires when covering these news events: to protect the privacy of the deceased and his/her family, while also providing information to the public in order to promote healing and prevention.
What we will never tolerate is reporting that may lead to suffering or contagion.
In a recent Facebook comment, one individual called on the BI to “report details” of the suicides. We agree that the university administration owes campus disclosure of pertinent facts. However, we draw the line at descriptive details concerning the deaths.
We will never disclose the identities of persons considered to have committed suicide before officials give us the clear. We do this, not because we are afraid to take on “the man,” but because we value the family and/or friends of the deceased over the masses’ morbid hunger for information. We will also never disclose information concerning the details of how the suicide was committed.
The reason is simple: suicide must not be glorified through reporting. Disseminating anything other than the occurrence of the suicide, the clinical cause for the death and the name of the deceased will not make a change in the lives of the ones left behind. Instead, the BI strives to encourage those contemplating suicide to realize that they are not alone. For this reason, our journalistic policy focuses on the most important issue: Prevention.
Access:
Providing students access to unbiased and non-sensationalized information is what propels us to cover student deaths.
According to the website reportingonsuicide.org, proper and respectful coverage can “change public misperceptions and correct myths which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help.”
We cover these stories in the hopes that increased awareness of mental health issues can help students who are struggling.
If you or a friend are experiencing depressive or suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, social withdrawal or increased use of alcohol or drugs, please take advantage of the resources the university and the town of Laramie provides to students and citizens.
The Counseling Center, located in 341 Knight Hall, has walk in periods from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Monday through Friday and is free to students. Additional times are offered in the afternoon Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. For crisis intervention, the center is open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For crises occurring outside of business hours, call 307-766-8989.
Peak Wellness of Albany County is a mental health and wellness center providing counseling and therapy. Located at 1263 N 15th St, Peak is open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and can be reached at 307-745-8915.
As always call 911 in a severe emergency
Campus Responsibility:
With that being said, there is also a responsibility held by the campus of how we should react in situations like suicide. People grieve in different ways, whether it be through sadness, anger or confusion; however, it’s crucial during this sensitive time the community does not react disgracefully.
Since the suicide last week there have been several alarming Yik-Yaks blaming the victims for ending their lives, deeming them as “inconsiderate” or “selfish.”
While one can understand that families and friends do suffer immensely from a loved one committing suicide, one simply cannot blame the victim. If a person is emotionally hurting so deeply that they are willing to take their own life, there is clearly a larger issue than just being “selfish.”
Depression is a complicated mental illness that can affect people in different ways. It has the potential to morph a person into a shadow of themself – fogging their thoughts and making it a challenge to live out positive choices.
According to helpguide.org, depression “makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming.’
Rather than blame the person who committed suicide, be compassionate and reach out to anyone who might be having a difficult time. According to kidshealth.org, the most common mental health illness in the U.S. is depression with 17 million people affected each year.
It is very likely you know someone who struggles with the mental illness, even if you are not readily aware.
In honor of the three lives that have been lost to suicide this semester, be sure to live each day with kindness – reach out to those suffering, restrain from making petty remarks and offer a compassionate smile to the quiet person walking by you, as you never know the resounding impact this could have.
