Dealing with loss as a community: How we talk about suicide matters

Trigger Warning: Suicide

These two phenomena can sometimes take place after a publicized loss—but one of them can be helpful in recovery and healing.

The interrelatedness of life can sometimes bring out the good and the not-so-good. Having a community around can offer strength during a time of loss. But in a society of interwoven lives made possible by online communities and communication, other phenomena of life can take place. 

Two aspects that sometimes come with loss—particularly when the departed are in the limelight—can influence communities in surprising ways.

The Werther effect: A relatable touchpoint

The term itself comes from Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther, a novel whose tragic protagonist appeared to have inspired copycat suicides back in 1774. The clincher with the Werther effect is its link to media; that is, suicide incidents that are highly publicized tend to be associated with an uptick in suicide incidents or ideation among other individuals.

Suicide ideation runs the range from thoughts and ruminations about ending one’s life to more active planning towards taking one’s life.

Perhaps the most critical population where the Werther effect has been observed is in South Korea. In recent research conducted on highly publicized Korean celebrity suicide incidents within a decade, findings showed that the number of incidents increased by 16.4% within a day of reportage. Some may have related to the struggles of the deceased due to similar gender or age populations, making certain groups more vulnerable in the aftermath of such an incident.

What this highlights is the need for responsible reportage, particularly since the media holds a lot of power, especially given today’s access to information.

The Papageno effect: A possible guiding light

Because media and influence play a role in the aftereffects of a loss to suicide, protective measures need to be in place. And in psychology, the Papageno effect may be a good starting point.

The story of the Papageno effect harks back to a character in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Here, the titular character is disillusioned by love, but his thoughts of suicide were deterred upon talking to three boys.

Interestingly, while the media has played a role in the Werther effect, it is also a main driver in the Papageno effect. According to research in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the difference lies in the kind of media reporting: constructive rather than sensational. Instead of delving into the details of what happened, putting emphasis on coping strategies and connecting vulnerable audiences to help can change the tone and impact of the loss. Approaching topics on suicide with the intent to inform, enlighten, and induce understanding can help make these murky realities more tangible and produce concrete protective actions. 

Social media and word of mouth: On hope and healing

Even social media is not exempt from the double-edged sword of quality and impact on post-suicide incidents. 

Recent research emphasizes a key role for social media, its influencers, and its users: the role of connection. Going back to the grassroots meaning of social media—which is a place for facilitating connection through communication and building communities where people can find a place of belonging—can do for vulnerable individuals what those three boys did for Papageno.

Social media can be a place where narratives of hope and healing may thrive, by way of support groups and online communities. This is also where social media influencers may take the proverbial stance and use their power for good.

Whether they are able to relate their own experiences of hope and recover from a loss or they can facilitate fruitful and open discussions for healing, these steps can help deescalate emotional turmoil and influence a seeking for help.

Help is always there: Everyone’s role in the community

If it takes a village to raise a child, can the same be said for offering comfort to those who experience loss?

Those who have the platform and the power of influence may contribute to the more protective factor of bridging help with those who need it. Individuals who partake in the community discussions can be a source of support or inspiration, especially those who share in the lived experience of healing from a loss. 

Using a language of understanding rather than taking a stance of judgment goes a long way because, as the old adage goes, choose kindness. The unseen battles behind reported losses can be very painful, and we may not have the complete picture. And what we do have, a quiet understanding or a nudge of support, can be all the help we can offer.

If you are in the same headspace or undergoing similar struggles, there is always help available. These crisis hotlines are a starting point for a bit of clarity and hope in trying times: Hopeline (02 8804 4673), NCMH Hotline (63917 8998727), and Crisis Line (8893 7603).

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