Overall, adherence to media guidelines on reporting suicide in Ireland improved in certain key areas from September 2009 until December 2012. Nonetheless, important challenges remain. Increased monitoring by media monitoring agencies, regulators and government departments is required. Implementation should be conducted using a pro-active approach and form part of the curriculum of journalists and editors. The inclusion of guidelines for the reporting of suicidal behaviour in press codes of conduct for journalists warrants consideration.

Purpose Previous research has examined the suicide risk of the Irish Traveller population, but less is known about the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and thoughts of this ethnic minority group recorded at hospital level. The aim of the current study was to compare the incidence of hospital-presenting self-harm and suicide-related ideation of Travellers to non-Traveller patients and describe any ethnic disparities in the aftercare of their presentation. Methods A population-based study was conducted for the years 2018–2019. Data were obtained from the service improvement dataset of an Irish dedicated national programme for the assessment of those presenting to emergency departments (EDs) due to self-harm and suicide-related ideation. Results 24,473 presentations were recorded with 3% of the presentations made by Irish Travellers. Female Traveller patients had 3·04 (95% CI 2·51 − 3·68) higher risk for suicide-related ideation and 3·85 (95% CI 3·37 − 4·41) for self-harm, compared to White Irish female patients. Male Traveller patients had 4·46 (95% CI 3·86 − 5·16) higher risk for suicide-related ideation and 5·43 (95% CI 4·75 − 6·21) higher rates for self-harm presentations. The highest rate ratios for self-harm were observed among older Traveller patients [male: 9·23 (95% CI 5·93 − 14·39); female: 6·79 (95% CI 4·37 − 10·57)]. A higher proportion of Traveller patients requested no next of kin involvement, compared to other ethnicities. Conclusion Given that Irish Travellers are at higher risk of suicide-related hospital presentations, compared to other ethnic groups in Ireland, EDs should be viewed as an important suicide intervention point.

Background: International research shows that media can increase knowledge, raise public awareness and reduce stigma relating to mental health. Methods: Following the broadcast of a documentary on national television featuring interviews with young people who had experienced mental health difficulties and suicidal behaviour, an anonymous online survey, aimed at examining public perceptions of the impact of a television documentary, was conducted, using a mixed methods approach. Results: 2311 people completed the survey. Of those who watched the documentary and answered the closed questions (n = 854), 94% stated that the documentary will positively impact young people’s mental health and well-being. The majority (91%) stated that the documentary will encourage young people to talk to someone if experiencing difficulties and 87% indicated it will help to reduce stigma associated with mental health. Viewers had a 5% higher level of intention to seek help than non-viewers. Participants indicated that the identifiable personal stories and discourse around stigma and shame, and the increased understanding and awareness gained, had the most profound impact on them. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a documentary addressing mental health and suicidal behaviour, which incorporates real life identifiable stories of resilience and recovery, has the potential to impact positively on emotional well-being and general mood, to reduce stigma related to mental health and to encourage help-seeking behaviour. Documentaries including these concepts, with a public mental health focus and a consistent message, incorporating pre- and post-evaluations, and customisation for target audiences in compliance with current media recommendations, should be considered.

Reference McTernan, N., Ryan F., Williamson E., Chambers D., & Arensman E. (n.d.). Using a television programme as a tool to increase perceived awareness of mental health and well-beingfindings from'OurMental Health' survey.