The Olympian's handling of topic: Potentially harmful

author : Daisy Ouye topic : Iraq occupation

by Daisy Ouye

The purpose of a free press should be to create a well-informed public. Today so-called "mainstream" journalism has become far removed from that concept. Instead these publications often choose to print sensationally written stories that greedily grab attention however possible, pushing them into tabloid territory.

Local citizens saw an example of this tactic twice this month as the Daily "O" further distanced itself from a responsibility to the public. Recent coverage of a Lacey City Official who died by suicide was handled without consideration of the impact such coverage could have on the community. Studies have shown that reporting on suicide rates, advancements in treatment, and even a report covering an individual death can decrease suicide rates, if done properly. However, it must be done carefully or the results can be the opposite.

The Olympian printed an article, with an obvious lack of knowledge of recommended guidelines made available to journalists by suicide prevention experts. They broke almost every rule of reporting on this sensitive issue.

Research has proven that this kind of mishandling can cause what behavioral scientists refer to as contagion. Contagion occurs when someone who is already vulnerable or at high risk is influenced to imitate a story of death by suicide in the news. When a person at risk identifies with the individual in the story easily because the coverage is romanticized, idealized or just too detailed, suicide rates can increase. Careful consideration must be taken not to inadvertently encourage imitation in those already at high risk.

The use of the word "suicide" should be avoided in headlines, and placing an article about an individual death by suicide at the top of the front page is a reckless move. Contagion can be caused by reporting that is too dramatic or too detailed. The Olympian's article depicted a play-by-play style report that was dramatic, attention-grabbing and completely inappropriate. Using language that seems to "criminalize" death by suicide can increase the stigma of shame unfairly felt by those already vulnerable, discouraging them from seeking help.

The Olympian's headline noted that people in the area were "stunned," but offered no information of value that might help them cope and understand this subject that is seemingly taboo in the US. The way the Daily "O" presented this story left the reader with a sense of this death being somewhat inexplicable, perpetuating the idea that death by suicide is unpreventable.

In a clear display of ignorance to sensitivity in regards to covering this story, the article ended with a reference to a man accused of a sexual offense earlier this year. The only connection between them was that they both worked for the city. The criminalizing effect this had was evident in the "O"'s comments section for the article.

The Olympian printed a second article about a week later that, again, put the word "suicide" in the headline at the top of the front page. Again, this was in reference to an individual death, but the article referred to a member of the group of Americans most at risk: war veterans.

The Daily "O"'s article was about Madigan Army Medical Center's refusal to make facilities safer, despite this individual's death. Writing such an article provides an opportunity to raise awareness on this important subject.

A recent study, conducted by Portland State University and published by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, revealed that suicide rates are twice as high for war veterans as they are for civilians. The study looked at 300,000 men who have become vets since WWII. Those found to be at highest risk have endured disability, psychological or emotional trauma. By including this kind of information, a journalist can empower the community with useful information.

Recent legislation, The Joshua Omvig Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, recognizes death by suicide as a serious problem among those suffering post traumatic stress disorder (ptsd), common in today's returning vets and made newly raw for vets of earlier wars. The Olympian didn't discuss it in their article, though.

Tom Harkin (d -- ia) is sponsoring new legislation that recognizes suicide as a serious problem among those suffering post traumatic stress disorder. Unanimously approved by the House, the Joshua Omvig Veteran Suicide Prevention Act seeks to implement a comprehensive program aimed at reducing suicide in vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Gaining Senate sponsorship and likely to pass, it would begin the research and training necessary to also put into effect appropriate treatment programs, including alcohol and substance abuse treatment, 24-hour care, and a toll-free hotline. It would educate families about warning signs and increase awareness about suicide and suicide prevention in veteran communities.

The ACLU stated that in 2005, 83 soldiers died by suicide in Iraq and another 22 such deaths were tracked that year upon return home.

Still, the US government reports an official total number of 122 suicide deaths since the war began. This seemingly low number diminishes how serious the problem truly is.

One soldier, Evan Knappenberger doesn't think that number could be right, with 15 suicides deaths in his unit alone. That was in Iraq. Evan says he doesn't know if there have been any more since they got back, but he said those deaths aren't included in official US military death tolls, because suicides are not considered war casualties.

The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act is long overdue. While this new program will target the treatment of growing numbers of returning vets, it does not address veterans of other wars.

As the new study states, veterans from all wars are at risk. Today, Vietnam Vets especially, are recognizing similarities to experiences and circumstances they've endured in Vietnam, in present-day Iraq. This can make memories newly raw for many veterans already in this high risk group.

As this legislation seeks to raise awareness, there is a media in place that fails to do so. Dramatic reporting may sell papers, but informed, responsible investigative journalism can save lives.

For more info about suicide prevention: Youth Suicide Prevention Program, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, National Suicide Prevention Hotline. For immediate help, call 1 800-273-talk .

Daisy Ouye is an independent journalist. Born in Michigan, she has been an Olympia resident for 16 years.