A Mental Health Expert has warned the media against airing or publishing content that can create a sense of hopelessness and despair among the public, which can lead to suicide. He said that some media contents, especially on television and radio, were not sensitive to the mental health of their audience and could fuel suicidal thoughts or actions.Mental Health Coordinator for the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, Mr.

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Pious Tay, made these remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on its “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility” platform. He said that the media had a responsibility to promote and safeguard the mental well-being of the public and to avoid content that could harm them.

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He cited some examples of media content that could trigger suicide, such as hoax stories, April Fool's Day pranks, fabrications, stories without sourcing or authentication, and advertisements and promotional materials presented as news. He also said that some media platforms allowed unscrupulous persons to post suicide messages in the comment sections of their publications, which could influence others to follow suit.

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He advised the media to be vigilant and to monitor their platforms and comments to prevent such messages from spreading. He also urged the media to report on suicides in a responsible and ethical manner, without giving too many details or glorifying the act, as this could lead to copycat suicides among vulnerable people.

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He further appealed to the media to use their platforms to educate and advocate for suicide prevention, and to inform the public about where and how they can get help if they are feeling suicidal or know someone who is. He said that the media could play a vital role in creating hope and support for those who are struggling with mental health issues.

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He also called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC), as well as other regulatory bodies, to ensure that media houses followed their ethics and standards and to sanction those who violated them.Mr. Tay also advised young people to value human relations more than social technologies.

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He said that social media could be addictive and misleading, and could not provide the answers or solutions to their problems. He said that young people should cultivate a positive family atmosphere and communicate openly and honestly with their parents, teachers, counsellors, and friends.He said that families who spend time together develop a bond of trust and understanding, which makes it easier for them to address and resolve their issues.

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He said that children who are raised in a fear-free environment are more likely to express their feelings and seek help when they need it.Dr. Sally Quartey, Tema Metro Health Director, also urged young people to create good bonds with their family members and other trusted adults and to share their challenges with them instead of resorting to machines.

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She said that technology could have a negative impact on people's emotions and mental health, especially young people who depend on it for guidance.She said that technology could not replace human interaction and compassion, which are essential for preventing suicide.

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