First Sushant Singh Rajput and now Tunisha Sharma – How Irresponsible has Indian Media Become? - News18

The death of Tunisha Sharma by suicide has raised a hornet’s nest. Many TV channels have gone berserk discussing why, where, how and when of the sad event and have converted it into a soap opera by discussing minute details of this unnatural demise, flouting the media guidelines of reporting suicide by the World Health Organisation and endorsed by the Press Council of India. The Dos are: Do provide accurate information about where to seek help Do educate the public about the facts of suicide and suicide prevention, without spreading myths Do report stories of how to cope with life stressors or suicidal thoughts, and how to get help Do apply particular caution when reporting celebrity suicides Do apply caution when interviewing bereaved family or friends Do recognise that media professionals themselves may be affected by stories about suicide The Don’ts are: Don’t place stories about suicide prominently and don’t unduly repeat such stories Don’t use language which sensationalises or normalises suicide, or presents it as a constructive solution to problems Don’t explicitly describe the method used Don’t provide details about the site/location Don’t use sensational headlines Don’t use photographs, video footage or social media links In an era where angst predominates and many relationships hang on a thin thread, those with fragile minds and brittle brains can be pushed over the fence by such criminally destructive reporting, causing copycat suicides. The question that is always asked to me is that — when someone has everything under the sun, why kill oneself — and the answer to this is, ‘one may be skilled in a particular profession but emotional awareness and skills required to build mental health muscles may be missing.’ Also, the mind is like a fuse and can go off without reason. I appeal to every Indian to ‘kill shame and seek help’ when feeling down, sad, distressed or mentally ill from a qualified mental health professional.