Suicide+in+Men

Name: Natalie Knopke Student Number: n8297894 Tutor: Sophie Miller

To Boddah Speaking from the tongue of an experienced simpleton who obviously would rather be an emasculated, infantile complain-ee. This note should be pretty easy to understand. All the warnings from the punk rock 101 courses over the years, since my first introduction to the, shall we say, ethics involved with independence and the embracement of your community has proven to be very true. I haven't felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music along with reading and writing for too many years now. I feel guity beyond words about these things.

For example when we're back stage and the lights go out and the manic roar of the crowds begins., it doesn't affect me the way in which it did for Freddie Mercury, who seemed to love, relish in the the love and adoration from the crowd which is something I totally admire and envy. The fact is, I can't fool you, any one of you. It simply isn't fair to you or me. The worst crime I can think of would be to rip people off by faking it and pretending as if I'm having 100% fun. Sometimes I feel as if I should have a punch-in time clock before I walk out on stage. I've tried everything within my power to appreciate it (and I do,God, believe me I do, but it's not enough). I appreciate the fact that I and we have affected and entertained a lot of people. It must be one of those narcissists who only appreciate things when they're gone. I'm too sensitive. I need to be slightly numb in order to regain the enthusiasms I once had as a child.

On our last 3 tours, I've had a much better appreciation for all the people I've known personally, and as fans of our music, but I still can't get over the frustration, the guilt and empathy I have for everyone. There's good in all of us and I think I simply love people too much, so much that it makes me feel too fucking sad. The sad little, sensitive, unappreciative, Pisces, Jesus man. Why don't you just enjoy it? I don't know!

I have a goddess of a wife who sweats ambition and empathy and a daughter who reminds me too much of what i used to be, full of love and joy, kissing every person she meets because everyone is good and will do her no harm. And that terrifies me to the point to where I can barely function. I can't stand the thought of Frances becoming the miserable, self-destructive, death rocker that I've become.

I have it good, very good, and I'm grateful, but since the age of seven, I've become hateful towards all humans in general. Only because it seems so easy for people to get along that have empathy. Only because I love and feel sorry for people too much I guess.

Thank you all from the pit of my burning, nauseous stomach for your letters and concern during the past years. I'm too much of an erratic, moody baby! I don't have the passion anymore, and so remember, it's better to burn out than to fade away.

Peace, love, empathy.

Kurt Cobain Frances and Courtney, I'll be at your alter.

Please keep going Courtney, for Frances.

For her life, which will be so much happier without me.

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!

**Kurt Cobain’s Suicide note ** On the 8th of April 1994, Kurt was found dead in his home in Seattle. The coroner’s report stated that he had died on the 5th. Kurt Cobian's death was reported as a suicide by the Seattle Police Department. Kurt was found with a single shot gun to the head, an overdose of heroin in his system and a suicide note found nearby. His note depicts his depression, love for his family and his motives for suicide. The note was dramatically read by Cobain's wife Courtney Love at his candlelight vigil. The end of the note he quoted Neil Young's Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) lyrics "It's better to burn out than to fade away" making them famous.

**Public Health Issue ** In 2009, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that suicide as the tenth leading cause of death amongst men. It follows nine natural causes of death making it the largest external cause of death. Male suicide rates on average are three times more likely (3:1 ratio) than females (ABS, 2011; Mindframe, 2011; 2009). It has been found that the portrayal of suicide through the media can have a significant detrimental effect on the way in which the audience receives this information (Cantor, Tucker, & Burnett, 1991; Cheng et al., 2007; M. Gould, Jamieson, & Romer, 2003; M. S. Gould, 2001; Gregor, 2004; Hawton & Williams, 2002). Revised Standards of suicide reporting were brought out by the Australian Press Council on the 2nd of August 2011. These standards will address the boarder issue of suicide and the reporting of individual deaths (Mindframe, 2011).

**Literature Review ** Suicide rates for male a female alike are quite a significant public health issue. Although any review of the issue will have the reader questioning the staggering difference between male and female suicide rates. Mental illness is the biggest risk factor affecting 90% of those who suicide(Mindframe, 2011). Although women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, mood disorders and depression (the most common mental health issues) they are more likely to seek help and use mental health services (Mindframe, 2011). Attempted suicides are also higher among females (Mindframe, 2011), which leads to question why are men at greater risk? The lack of help-seeking behaviour and current male cultural values (Anonymous, 2006) may be the most key contributing reasons. As mentioned before men are at a significantly higher risk of committing suicide and risk factors can establish a significant role in the detriment of an individual with suicidal thoughts (Mindframe, 2011; Schmidtke & Schaller, 2008). Men make up 77% of all suicides in Australia and it is the largest statistic relating to unnatural death (ABS, 2011). Although there is no single cause of suicide, there are a number of risk factors that may increase the probability of suicide. However, risk factors will not necessarily provide a definitive indication of an individual’s risk of suicide. The most prevalent are men aged between 20-34 and those who live in rural and remote indigenous communities (ABS, 2011).

Media reporting has a significant influence on suicide rates and, hence, are also considered a contributing risk factor. Contradicting studies on the portrayal of suicide in the media denotes dire need of a review (Martin & Koo, 1997). Speculation on the subject and a more definitive analysis of risk factors the media portrays are crucial to furthering the community’s understanding. The media plays a crucial role in influencing perceptions and social attitudes towards suicide and mental issues. (Mindframe, 2011). There are many reports that, after a media story relating to suicide, a spike in suicide is seen a short time after (in the first ten to thirty days) (Gregor, 2004; Hassan, 1995)These can be portrayed as copycat suicides. However a study by Martin and Koo (1997) examining the effect of Cobain's death and the portrayal of it by the media revealed it did not have an effect on suicide rates. Assumptions regarding the influence upon the young population would have given reason to believe that a contagion or copycat effect would occur after the death of such a prominent celebrity (Cheng, et al., 2007). Research has shown that media coverage has a significant impact upon portrayal of suicide and mental illness. In 1994, the effect of Cobain's death was thought to result in an increase in complete and attempted suicides. Research by many studies has show that an increase risk is prevalent when: suicide is specified (especially when in detail), when the prominence of coverage is repetitive, dramatic and prominent by media outlets, when there is explicit descriptions of method and location increased rates are found in the particular description and location (including photographs), when the reader or viewer can identify with the person (such as a celebrity) and when the reader or viewer idolises or admires the person (such as a celebrity) (M. Gould, et al., 2003; Gregor, 2004).These contributing factors of a reporting of a suicide affect the youth and those already suffering mental illness as most susceptible in being affected by the media (Hawton & Williams, 2002). Since the reporting of Cobain’s death research has found that there are multiple components and circumstances to consider to a suicide story that can either promote a contagion or prevent (Health, 2000; Mindframe, 2011; Schmidtke & Schaller, 2008). Martin and Koo’s (1997) analysis, ‘Celebrity suicide: Did the death of Kurt Cobain influence young suicides in Australia?’ found no variation between the 30 days after Cobain’s death and previous years averages. As priorly mentioned, when reporting suicides there are contributing factors that can influence the possibility of a contagion (Cheng, et al., 2007; Gregor, 2004; Hassan, 1995). Evidence suggests that even though all the key contributing factors for a contagion to arise from the death of Cobain, no such event happened. Possible explanations for this include natural variability from year to year however, a quarter reduction from 1993 to 1994 is of significance and hence this is an unlikely explanation. Constant public sensitivity to suicide had created resistant effects by teenagers. Fans of Cobain may be deterrent due to the denigration Courtney placed upon Cobian’s suicide. Lastly, the positive or deterrent effect of the media’s reporting (Martin & Koo, 1997). Although this is hard to measure, martin and Koo argue that “clinicians and professional bodies should encourage responsible media portrayal and reporting of suicidal behaviour”. Further explanation and discussion on the special portrayal of this suicide case may find evidence that it had reduced the likelihood of influence (Martin & Koo, 1997). The media has an important role in shaping positive attitudes and opinions surrounding suicide. There is numerous studies supporting the existence of suicide contagions (Cantor, et al., 1991), however research has also shown that the media can also have no effect and even create a positive attitude about the topic. A study found an increase in suicide after extensive negative publicity surrounding suicides in a local general psychiatri c ward (Cantor, et al., 1991). Negativity to suicide brought about by the media is highly detrimental to the stability of mental health. Media has been found as the most important source of information about mental illness (Dietrich, Heider, Matschinger, & Angermeyer, 2006) however another study has found that negative reports were more commonly recalled than positive reports (Thornton & Wahl, 1996). Highlighting that encouraging a positive portrayal by the media can change current perception as negativity will no longer alter their perception. When exposed to negative reporting participants developed negative attitudes; however positive reporting did not alter attitudes (Thornton & Wahl, 1996). As there have been identified factors and characteristics of a story that may change its perception within the public, review of these factors are developing reporting methods that intend to reduce and ultimately eliminate the risk of imitation suicides.

**Cultural and Social Analysis ** Social bonding and cohesion play a huge role in the rate of suicide within a society according to famous <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">sociologist Emile Durkheim (Durkheim, Spaulding, & Simpson, 1997). However since his theorist days quite a lot has change and it is generally recognised that he underestimated the effect of imitation on social behaviours. Hassan (1998) explains that Durkheim’s differential identification theory and social learning theory do not have to be learned from an individual’s primary or secondary groups but can be learned from a reference of groups or even individual reports by the media. Durkheim’s theory that imitation has no effect on suicide is challenged by individual’s responses without being affected by a particular social group or subgroup manifestations (Hassana, 1998) <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. The suicides of individuals due to the contagion or copycat effects are preventable. The deaths of these individuals point to those who may be less connected to support networks or less intimately connected to people who might otherwise be able to assist (ABS, 2011). Cobain’s death was reported by the media in a way in which cohesion and social bonding were encouraged. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the majority of Cobian’s fans and followers were young people between the ages of 15-24 they are the most at risk group to suffer adverse effects from the suicide. Young people are <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">already at greatest risk of suicide and as such are the believed to be the most influential (ABS, 2011).When negative stories are reported the vulnerability of those already suffering will increase. (M. Gould, et al., 2003). The spike in suicides after a reporting is due to an increase in only the male population (Hassan, 1995)Australian exposure to media is an important factor in evaluating the incidence of male suicide (Hassan, 1995). A discussion regarding the effects that have reduced the likelihood of influence by the media is the topic that public health experts <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> need further provide explanation for. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Public health experts are currently researching the components which made Cobain's portrayal by the media different. The focus of their analysis is to find which interactive factors may determine a specific outcome depending upon: the characteristics of the stories (agent), the individuals attributes (host) and the social context of the stories (environment) (M. S. Gould, 2001). The way in which suicide is reported is of significant public <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">deliberation as it can have such a varying impact. Reporting suicide as a tragedy and avoidable loss and the affect it can have on others has been linked to reduced rates of suicide (Mindframe, 2011).

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Analysis of Artefact and Personal Learning Reflections ** <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Although there is quite a lot speculation that Cobain was murdered, for the purpose of this assignment and the research surrounding the matter his death was declared a suicide by the Seattle Police Department and was reported by the media as a suicide. Hence the effect of the media reporting was not at the time effected by the conspiracy and thus the contagion effect of his death can be measured accurately for sometime after his death. The way in which the media reported his suicide can definitively describe the current Australian Press Council's standards of reporting. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because of the note he left, his death was reported differently. The media coverage was highly critical of his decision to suicide (Martin & Koo, 1997). By quoting Neil Young's song at the end of his note "It's better to burn out than to fade away" he in turn encouraged what was to be a contagion effect which never eventuated**.** Courtney Love's reading, his note, the youths sensitivity to suicides portrayed by the media and of course the medias portrayal. These aspects of the reporting and the way in which he suicided worked against the possibility of a contagion effect. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since his death and for quite some time, media coverage of a suicide was restricted more so than now, giving it a tabo stigma by the press. Since the release of the Australian Press Councils - Standards Relating to Suicide the tabo of addressing suicide has been readdressed. With the new guidelines in place, public health experts will be monitoring the effect and change in suicide rate and contagions following a reporting. As the media is seen as the most important source of information and only men are affected by the reporting of suicide this change in reporting should make a difference to this huge public health issue.

**Discussion**
http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Australia+is+in+a+Global+Mental+Health+Desert Your wiki made me think about how the government works, we pay money involuntarily to an institution that devotes itself to our combined benefits (or something like that). Our uses of the benefits are individual like you suggest, and we can’t force those to use them. I think they are missing that one solution does not fix all of the problems and this is where they are developing now. The media greatly influences how we view each other and this in some cases can create social stigmatism when the mentally ill are involved. For my article when researching I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are media controls surrounding suicide portrayal to the public(released in August 2011). I feel that this will benefit those who may be acting as individuals as it will include mental illness awareness rather dissociating it from society. Thanks for simulating my thoughts, much appreciated! Natalie
 * Australia is in a Global Mental Health Desert**

http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Obesity+is+a+Capitalist+Disease I found the article very relative to the issues currently being presented by public health system. I completely agree with the normalisation of obesity, kids now will never know what it’s like without a MacDonalds. Advertising shocks me, walking in the bus station a week ago I saw an add for lingerie and the model wasn’t thin (bravo) but she was overweight and the irony of it was that it was advertising a stomach shapewear. I would think that the placement of an overweight model has more health related risks than a thin model.
 * Obesity is a Capitalist Disease**

You have presented me with so much to talk about, I love this topic (I study nutrition) but I will stop there. Thank-you! **References** ABS. (2011). Leading Cause of Death by Gender Retrieved 25/8, 2011, from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/D6E935D5501D5964CA25788400127B18?opendocument

Anonymous. (2006). Australia tackles male suicide. //Perspectives in Public Health, 126//(4), 149-149.

Cantor, C. H., Tucker, P. J., & Burnett, P. (1991). The Media and Suicide [Letter]. //Medical Journal of Australia, 155//(2), 130-131.

Cheng, A. T. A., Hawton, K., Chen, T. H. H., Yen, A. M. F., Chen, C. Y., Chen, L. C., et al. (2007). The influence of media coverage of a celebrity suicide on subsequent suicide attempts. [Article]. //Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68//(6), 862-866.

Dietrich, S., Heider, D., Matschinger, H., & Angermeyer, M. C. (2006). Influence of newspaper reporting on adolescents' attitudes toward people with mental illness. //Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 41//(4), 318-318-322. doi: 10.1007/s00127-005-0026-y

Durkheim, É., Spaulding, J. A., & Simpson, G. (1997). //Suicide: a study in sociology//: Free Press.

Gould, M., Jamieson, P., & Romer, D. (2003). Media Contagion and Suicide Among the Young. //American Behavioral Scientist, 46//(9), 1269-1284. doi: 10.1177/0002764202250670

Gould, M. S. (2001). Suicide and the Media. //Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 932//(1), 200-224. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05807.x

Gregor, S. (2004). Copycat suicide: The influence of the media Retrieved 28/10, 2011, from http://www.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=1830

Hassan, R. (1995). Effects of newspaper stories on the incidence of suicide in Australia: a research note. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 29//(3), 480-483. doi: doi:10.3109/00048679509064957

Hassana, R. (1998). One hundred years of Emile Durkheim's Suicide: A Study in Sociology. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 32//(2), 168-171. doi: doi:10.3109/00048679809062725

Hawton, K., & Williams, K. (2002). Influences of the media on suicide: researchers, policy makers, and media personnel need to collaborate on guidelines.(Editorial). //British Medical Journal, 325//(7377), 1374(1372).

Health, W. H. O. D. o. M. (2000). //Preventing suicide: a resource for media professionals//: Dept. of Mental Health, World Health Organization.

Martin, G., & Koo, L. (1997). Celebrity suicide: Did the death of Kurt cobain influence young suicides in Australia? //Archives of Suicide Research, 3//(3), 187-198. doi: 10.1080/13811119708258271

Mindframe. (2011). //Research: Media and Suicide// Retrieved 28/10, 2011, from http://www.mindframe-media.info/site/index.cfm?display=84352

ResponseAbility. (2009) Retrieved 25/8, 2011, from http://www.responseability.org/site/index.cfm?display=134912

Schmidtke, A., & Schaller, S. (2008). The Role of Mass Media in Suicide Prevention //The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide// (pp. 675-697): John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Thornton, J. A., & Wahl, O. F. (1996). Impact of a newspaper article on attitudes toward mental illness. //Journal of Community Psychology, 24//(1), 17-25. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6629(199601)24:1<17::aid-jcop2>3.0.co;2-0