Contents

Resources

Reducing Contagion

Contagion refers to the observed phenomenon of one person’s suicide leading to other suicides, often referred to as imitative or “copy-cat suicides.” In such cases, the initial suicide appears to have a triggering effect on some specific individuals, especially those who have pre-existing vulnerabilities, including for example: a history of suicidal behaviour, depression, and those who have perceived similarities to the person who died.

Strategies for Minimizing Contagion

  • Avoid romanticizing someone who has died by suicide
  • Educate reporters about the importance of responsible media reporting
  • Identify potentially high risk individuals (e.g. friends of the person who died by suicide and/or those with previous suicidal behaviour)
  • Assess and provide active follow-up to those identified at high risk
  • Notify family members of the need to be vigilant, since suicidality can fluctuate

In recent years there have been increased concerns about the potential for social networking sites like Facebook to contribute to suicide contagion. For example, after the death of a young person by suicide, Facebook sites often become emotionally charged gathering sites for young people to express their thoughts, ideas and questions, raising concerns about the potential for these sites to inadvertently glamorize the person who died. There is also a concern that repeated and detailed on-line discussions about suicide can act as “natural advertisements” for suicide as a way of coping with emotional distress, especially among those youth who may already be vulnerable. While research regarding effective interventions for dealing with these concerns is not available (Facebook is a relatively recent phenomenon), there have been some useful practical recommendations developed by others that may provide some guidance. 74

The following information regarding social networking and postvention was developed for inclusion in the newly updated Texas Suicide Prevention toolkit located at http://www.texassuicideprevention.org/

Steps to Take After a Suicide

After a suicide, a person’s MySpace page or Facebook profile will stay online – often becoming a memorial for that person. While this can be a good place for friends and family to express their sorrow, we know that left unchecked, these pages can also become areas where further suicidal ideation can occur. Below we outline steps that should be taken after a suicide.

  1. Identify the moderator of the person’s online accounts (usually parents or friend of the deceased).
  2. Provide the letter below to explain how social networking sites can impact further suicidal ideation
  3. Someone in the community should monitor the comments posted after the suicide – watching out for any red flag language (e.g. “I am going to join you soon,” “I can’t take life without you.”) and be prepared to contact those users if necessary.
  4. Work with school counselors and principal to help them understand the impact a person’s online presence can have.

Letter to Give to Parents

Dear parents and family members of [insert person’s name]

Thank you for this chance to work together to help prevent suicide. We are so sorry to hear about the recent losses in your community, high school, and homes. While there is nothing we can do to erase these tragedies, it is our hope that we can help other families in your community from experiencing a similar situation. The message posted on a Facebook page and/or group (or MySpace page or in any public space) regarding suicide is an important part of preventing further deaths. While the language should honor the person and comfort those left behind, it is important to make sure that those reading the page see suicide as preventable. Please have a look at the message crafted for your child’s Facebook or MySpace (or other social-networking) pages below, and let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Recommended posting to social networking site following a youth death by suicide

With help, this loss of life might have been avoided. The best way to honor (person’s name) is to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling. If you’re feeling lost, desperate, or alone – please visit http://www.youthinbc.com/ or http://www.youthspace.ca/ or call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433). The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you. You can also visit http://lifeline-gallery.org/ which is site that offers stories of hope and healing.

Sensationalized media reports are believed to exacerbate risks for imitation and contagion. Suggestions for working with the media can be found in Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media.