A new guide on the reporting of mental health and suicide has been launched by the National Union of Journalists in Scotland.

Written for journalists by journalists, the guide has been developed with the support of the Scottish Executive’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being, and offers advice for reporting on the sensitive issues.

The 20-page booklet includes practical guidance to help reporters write stories accurately and pointers on the correct use of language and medical terms, as well as what to include and what not to include.

It also includes a powerful first-person piece written by senior Daily Record journalist Derek Masterton, who tells of the toll depression can take and how indiscriminate it is.

The author of the guide is Claire Walker, now a columnist on the Press and Journal, who before training as a journalist was policy director for a mental health charity and has also been treated for depression.

She said: “It’s not meant to be lecturing or politically correct, it aims to raise awareness and encourage people to debate and discuss the issue.

“Instances such as when The Sun called Frank Bruno a ‘psycho’ adds to people’s distress. What was interesting was that that sparked a public outcry – that wouldn’t have happened ten years ago.”

The guide will be circulated to journalists throughout Scotland and will also feature on the NUJ’s website.

Paul Holleran, NUJ Scottish organiser, said: “The NUJ is committed to the highest professional and ethical reporting standards, particularly in regard to the most vulnerable and exposed members of society.

“Indeed, it is at the core of our Code of Conduct. It is not political correctness or censorship, it is about maintaining journalistic standards and also a matter of basic humanity.”

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said: “I welcome this initiative by the NUJ in Scotland which has taken a very close interest in this area.

“It is very much in line with the key aims of the national programme in raising awareness and promoting mental health and well-being; eliminating stigma and discrimination; preventing suicide; and promoting and supporting recovery.”

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