Media must act responsibly when reporting on impact of pandemic on mental health

As further data become available, it will be important to continue to monitor and evaluate the incidence of suicide and self-harm as the pandemic unfolds

Media reports and headlines which suggest a ‘tsunami’ or ‘crisis’ in relation to suicide and self-harm can be damaging and may heighten anxiety among individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. File photo: Julien Behal

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, there has been concern and much debate about the impact of the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing of individuals. 

We hear many discussions referring to the ‘real’ epidemic as the effects of Covid-19 and associated public health measures on self-harm and suicide. Media reports and headlines which suggest a ‘tsunami’ or ‘crisis’ in relation to suicide and self-harm can be damaging and may heighten anxiety among individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.