Mental health specialists and medical professionals are warning that the way tragic news is communicated can have a major impact on a person's emotional and physical wellbeing.

According to the report, sudden disclosure of news such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, an accident, or other life-changing events can trigger severe psychological shock, panic, anxiety, and in some cases serious medical emergencies, especially for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Doctors explain that distressing news activates the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing adrenaline levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, which may result in fainting, collapse, or other acute complications.

Experts therefore recommend preparing the recipient gradually, ensuring they are in a safe and private environment, and communicating with empathy instead of delivering the information abruptly.

The article also highlights the growing problem of people learning about deaths or tragedies through social media, photographs, videos, or text messages before family members can speak to them directly.Specialists argue that this practice lacks compassion and may worsen emotional trauma.

Healthcare professionals commonly use the SPIKES communication framework, which encourages assessing what the person already knows, delivering information clearly and gently, allowing emotional reactions, and remaining available to provide support afterwards.

Several Tanzanians shared personal experiences of receiving tragic news in insensitive ways, describing emotional distress, inability to continue with work or studies, and near collapse.In contrast, one testimony showed how careful preparation before announcing examination results helped reduce anxiety.

Overall, the report stresses that compassionate communication is not only respectful but can also protect people's mental and physical health during some of life's most difficult moments.