DIP: 18.02.020/20251004 
DOI: 10.25215/2455/1004020 
Abstract
Suicide is not merely a statistic—it is a deeply human tragedy that leaves behind unanswered questions, unspoken words, and an irreplaceable absence in the lives of families and communities. With over 700,000 lives lost globally each year, every suicide reflects a story interrupted and a future that could have been different. In an age where information flows constantly, media has become one of the most influential forces shaping how people perceive mental health, cope with distress, and decide whether to seek help. As the saying goes, “Words can be windows, or they can be walls.” This paper examines whether media serves as a window that opens pathways to hope or a wall that deepens stigma and silence. Grounded in research on the Werther effect, which links sensational suicide reporting to behavioural contagion, and the Papageno effect, which highlights the protective power of hopeful narratives, this study explores how media can either harm or heal. It also investigates the digital landscape—an emotional ecosystem where young people live, learn, and connect. While cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful content pose profound risks, these same spaces also host life-saving communities, crisis helplines, and campaigns that offer understanding, solidarity, and immediate support. Journalistic ethics emerge as a vital safeguard. Language, imagery, and framing shape public emotion and individual vulnerability, making responsible reporting an essential public health intervention. Stories of resilience and recovery—especially those shared by survivors—serve as reminders that even in darkness, hope is real and healing is possible. Ultimately, this paper argues that media is neither inherently a bridge nor a barrier. Its impact depends on the compassion behind the choices we make. When guided by empathy and responsibility, media becomes a powerful bridge—one that leads individuals toward connection, care, and renewed possibility.
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process. 
The author declared no conflict of interest. 
ISSN 2455-670X