Research tells us that when a young person dies by suicide their peers have an increased likelihood that they too might consider suicide to be a viable option, a phenomenon referred to as contagion. The focus of this suicide prevention strategy is how to identify and support members of the community during the aftermath of a suicide. Community partners in children’s mental health have come together and agreed on the following goals for our community:
- Prevent suicide contagion among people who are at high risk after exposure (because of psychological, geographical and social proximity) to suicide.
- Identify youth at potential risk of imitative behaviour (suicide attempt) or thoughts (suicidal ideation) and subsequent mental health problems.
- Provide a coordinated and intentional postvention intervention after the death of a youth by suicide (youth ages 12 to 24).
- Lessen other negative effects of exposure to suicide for the community, youth and families.
- Facilitate healthy expressions of grief.
- Support front line staff as we acknowledge their risk for vicarious trauma.
This page was updated on: December 18th, 2020