Song by US rapper Logic led to almost 10,000 more calls to suicide helpline, study shows
A song by US rapper Logic which references the name of a suicide prevention helpline led to a “notable increase” in the number of calls to the service, new research has found.
Titled 1-800-273-8255 – the number for the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – the song generated strong public attention upon its release and following two notable performances.
Research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) showed that following these events an additional 9915 calls were recorded and there was evidence of a reduction in the number of suicides.
The events were the song’s release on April 28 2017, Logic’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 27 2017, and a later performance at the Grammy Awards on January 28 2018.
The song, which features Alessia Cara and Khalid, remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 US music charts for several weeks
It was ranked at number three in September 2017.
Logic's impact in numbers
The song’s release was associated with a nearly 10% uptick in online Google searches for Lifeline in the 28 days after.
Between 1 March 2017 and 30 April 2018 it generated 81,953 tweets by 55,471 unique users.
Daily tweets reached three peaks corresponding to the events, the research showed.
Analysis found that 1-800-273-8255 was associated with a call volume increase of 6.9% to Lifeline during the 34 day period when public attention to the song was substantial.
Over the same period there was some evidence of a reduction in suicides amounting to 245 fewer suicides, a decrease of 5.5%, the study showed.
“All these events gave widespread public attention to the message of the song – that help from Lifeline is available and effective,” the researchers said.
They added: “Suicide prevention and education efforts must harness positive media to educate the general public and high risk groups about suicide prevention without doing harm to individuals at risk.
“But a major dilemma for research in this area has been that stories of hope and recovery receive much less media coverage than stories of suicide death.”
Who to contact if you or someone you know needs help
Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, by calling 116 123. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
Papyrus offer support for children and young people under the age of 35 over the phone on 0800 068 41 41 between 9am – midnight every day of the year. If you would rather text you can do so on 07786 209697 or send an email to pat@papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness offer practical advice and information for anyone affected by mental health problems on a wide range of topics including treatment, support and care. Phone 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm) or visit rethink.org
Mind also offer mental health support between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can call them on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463. There is also lots of information available on their website.
Campaign Against Living Miserably's (CALM) helpline and webchat are open from 5pm until midnight, 365 days a year. Call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or chat to their trained helpline staff online. No matter who you are or what you're going through, it's free, anonymous and confidential.
If you have an emergency and a life is in danger, contact the emergency services on 999.