The news that a young German co-pilot appears to have intentionally crashed a Germanwings jet into the Alps, killing all aboard, presents copy editors with challenges. How can your publication convey the news without further sensationalizing an already sensational story?
When mental illness is a key part of the coverage, what can you keep in mind to ensure accuracy and fairness without adding to existing stigma?
1. Is it even relevant to the story?
In this case, the angle is clearly something that warrants coverage; however, too much is still unknown to determine exactly what happened and why. Don’t oversimplify the causes for the co-pilot’s actions
2. Don’t feed speculation
Do not link circumstances prior to his actions as a reason for the crash. There is a lot of conjecture: possible physical health problems, a breakup with a girlfriend, grievances at work. Suicide is extremely complicated. The reason for the act may never be fully understood, and one incident alone did not cause it to happen.
3. Don’t sensationalize
Ensure that the story makes it clear murder-suicide is very rare; people who carry it out are usually dealing with a mental illness, but they are also usually exacting revenge because they feel hopeless or victimized in some way. Should it be proved out, this was a criminal act.
4. Keep the story in context
This is not typical behavior of someone with depression. Most people with depression, and there are millions in America, never harm themselves or others. The stigma associated with mental illness is real. Sensitive stories such as this one require careful handling.
5. Know your facts
About 90 percent of people who kill themselves have a mental health problem oftentimes have depression or schizophrenia. But there can be concurrent problems, such as another diagnosable psychological illness or substance abuse.
6. Keep the focus in the right place
Do not put much emphasis on the lack of a suicide note. Many people who kill themselves do not leave such notes.
7. Be careful with the tone
Psychological problems are medical problems, not a sign of weakness or lack of fortitude on the individual’s part.
8. Ask the experts
Push for mental health experts to weigh in on stories that appear in your publication or on your site.
9. Choose your friends wisely
Take extra care when linking to other sites that may not bring the requisite care and professionalism to their coverage.
For more information and resources for journalists and copy editors, including a supplemental style guide on mental health terminology, visit the Team Up website Reporting on Mental Health Styleguide.
Melissa McCoy is a visiting faculty member at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and an independent media consultant and trainer. McCoy is the former deputy managing editor of the Los Angeles Times and a founding member and former vice president of ACES.
