In every historical period, the perception and interpretation of suicide have been shaped by the prevailing beliefs, values, and socio-cultural norms of the time. Consequently, different risk and protective factors for suicide have been emphasised by the lay public in different historical periods, reflecting prevailing attitudes towards suicide. Media reports, through their portrayal of these factors, offer insights into the evolving public narrative. This study, therefore, explores the evolution of Slovenian public attitudes towards suicide by analysing media coverage in two leading Slovenian newspapers from 1959 to 1999, examining how the portrayal of suicide risk and protective factors has changed over four decades, reflecting broader societal changes. The quantitative analysis of 1,785 articles shows that the frequency of risk and protective factors has increased over time, suggesting that public and journalists' awareness of the complexity of suicide risk and prevention has increased. In addition, the qualitative analysis showed that media reports emphasised individual risk factors such as mental health problems and gender inequalities. In contrast, discussions on protective factors focused mainly on interpersonal relationships in the 1960s, while community-related factors were gradually included in the 1990s. The findings highlight the central role of the media in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward suicide, which has significant implications for health policy and prevention strategies. The study shows a clear shift in media narratives from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial approach that recognises the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal and societal influences on suicidal behaviour. This shift reflects global trends in public health strategies that are increasingly in favor of holistic and community-based suicide prevention interventions. The evolution of media portrayal emphasises the need for continued, balanced media coverage that highlights risk and protective factors equally. This balanced approach can promote better public understanding and enhance community engagement in suicide prevention strategies.