After the explosion in Beirut on 4 August 2020, the media coverage of the consequences for the thousands of affected people has been intense.

Words and images matter when talking about and portraying the mental health impact of emergencies. It makes a huge difference if someone affected is depicted as a passive victim suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders, or as a survivor experiencing common emotional reactions to a highly stressful and dangerous situation.

The PS Centre has published a guidance for media and emergency responders on talking and writing about mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies.