What should a journalist know?

Depression affects approximately one in four women and one in eight men during their lifetime and confers an increased risk of self-harm and suicide.

Depression is treatable and can affect anyone.

Some people might have thoughts of suicide once or twice in their life, due to personal or existential crisis. Nevertheless about 80-90% of the people dying by suicide had been suffering from a diagnosed mental disease, mainly depression. People may feel low or distressed for a sustained period, but the actual suicidal crisis is mainly a very short-termed state of mind.

The mention of suicidal thoughts or plans should always be taken seriously.

Offering appropriate emotional and medical support can help people come through a suicidal period.