Developing Language and Image Use Guidance for Communicating About Suicide, Mental Health Concerns and Alcohol and Other Drug Concerns: An Australian Delphi Study

ISSUE ADDRESSED: How people communicate about suicide, mental health concerns and alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns matters. The words and images used can reinforce or reduce shame and stigma, or impact help-seeking and help-offering behaviours. In some cases, how people communicate may increase or decrease suicidal behaviour in Australia communities. METHODS: This paper outlines findings from an Australian Delphi survey to find consensus on what constitutes best practice advice for communicating about mental health concerns, suicide, and AOD concerns. Three panels, including a panel of people with lived experience, were used by the researchers to achieve consensus amongst those considered experts where evidence and consistency was lacking. RESULTS: Consensus ratings and qualitative feedback were received from 40 experts across two Delphi survey rounds. In total, 70 of 106 statements were endorsed for inclusion in guidelines for image or language use relating to mental health, mental health concerns, suicide and AOD concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus ratings and qualitative feedback provided clear, broad-level guidance that formed the foundation for two new sets of guidelines. This builds on existing language focused guidelines to deliver updated and evidence-informed guidelines for use in the media as well as other sites of communication where people may be exposed to harmful or helpful words and images. SO WHAT?: These new guidelines are designed to help Australian communities to communicate safely and sensitively, and with a more coherent voice, about suicide, mental health concerns and AOD concerns. In turn, they contribute to broader efforts to reduce stigma and distress across Australian communities.