Iceland’s media have been told to put a more positive spin on the news because of fears they could intensify the gloom that has descended on the nation since its banks collapsed last year and sent a thriving economy into a tailspin.

Amid fears that collective funk could lead to long-term health problems for the small and tight-knit population, the state Public Health Institute is trying to “re-educate” news organisations to be more “constructive” in their coverage.