{"id":76345,"date":"2024-09-18T12:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T12:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/1b2ee756148fa917869adaa76436fe70"},"modified":"2024-09-18T12:00:10","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T12:00:10","slug":"is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Is suicide contagious? Mental health experts warn of very real risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"article-gating gated-overlay\" readability=\"24.690978886756\">\n<div class=\"article-gating-wrapper\" readability=\"28.376199616123\">\n<p>Join Fox News for access to this content<\/p>\n<p>Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account &#8211; free of charge.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-gating-legal tablet-desktop\" readability=\"21.43949044586\">By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News&#8217; <span class=\"waslinkname\">Terms of Use<\/span> and <span class=\"waslinkname\">Privacy Policy<\/span>, which includes our <span class=\"waslinkname\">Notice of Financial Incentive<\/span>. <\/div>\n<p><span>Please enter a valid email address.<\/span><\/p>\n<footer class=\"article-gating-footer\"><span class=\"waslinkname\">Having trouble? Click here.<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"speakable\"><i>This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/p>\n<p>Although most suicides stem from <span class=\"waslinkname\">mental health disorders<\/span>, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be &#8220;contagious,&#8221; leading to &#8220;suicide clusters.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Suicide clusters are defined as &#8220;a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community,&#8221; the CDC states.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES THREE TOP FACTORS DRIVING SUICIDE RATES<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania, who is an expert in suicide prevention, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect \u2014 particularly among <span class=\"waslinkname\">young people<\/span>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/343\/192\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/686\/384\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/672\/378\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1344\/756\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/931\/523\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1862\/1046\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/720\/405\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1440\/810\/7df72b2f-suicide-contagion-split.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk.jpg\" alt=\"Suicide contagion split\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be &#8220;contagious,&#8221; leading to &#8220;suicide clusters.&#8221;<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress,&#8221; she told Fox News Digital.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed <span class=\"waslinkname\">clinical care social worker<\/span> in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>AMERICAN VETERANS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE ARE 95% MALE, CRISIS OFTEN DRIVEN BY FAMILY DISPUTES, SAY EXPERTS<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It doesn\u2019t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well \u2014 with <span class=\"waslinkname\">depression, anxiety<\/span> and other feelings that may be overwhelming,&#8221; she told Fox News Digital.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>5 possible reasons for suicide contagion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Normalization<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/343\/192\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/686\/384\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/672\/378\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1344\/756\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/931\/523\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1862\/1046\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/720\/405\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1440\/810\/support-group.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk-1.jpg\" alt=\"Support group\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"6.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><span>Experts encourage people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health to help reduce the stigma.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;People often look to others for cues on how to behave,&#8221; she told Fox News Digital.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or \u2018correct\u2019 thing to do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Copying or modeling<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions,&#8221; Gilman said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"pull-quote\" readability=\"7\">\n<p class=\"quote-text\">&#8220;The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p> <!----><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Social proof<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;From social learning theory, if the observed behavior \u2014 in this case, suicide \u2014 is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>\u2018SLEEP DISORDER DROVE MY SON TO SUICIDE,\u2019 NEW YORK MOTHER SAYS: \u2018BROKE MY HEART\u2019<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Vulnerability<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues \u2014 especially <span class=\"waslinkname\">depression and anxiety<\/span> \u2014 may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors,&#8221; Gilman warned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Those experiencing difficult life circumstances \u2014 such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles \u2014 may be more susceptible, she added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/343\/192\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/686\/384\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/672\/378\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/1344\/756\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/931\/523\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/1862\/1046\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/720\/405\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/1440\/810\/iStock-1304487156.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk-2.jpg\" alt=\"Sad woman\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>&#8220;Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own,&#8221; a mental health expert warned.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong>5. Recency bias<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled,&#8221; Gilman said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people&#8217;s minds.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>6 warning signs among survivors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it&#8217;s important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Increased suicidal thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate <span class=\"waslinkname\">professional help<\/span> is necessary,&#8221; Gilman advised.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>NEW YORK TEEN STARTS NONPROFIT FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION THROUGH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS: &#8216;WANTED TO HELP&#8217;<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Feelings of being a burden<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>People saying they feel like a burden is a &#8220;major red flag,&#8221; according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor,&#8221; he told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Inability to cope with daily life<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the <span class=\"waslinkname\">emotional burden<\/span> is too great to handle without professional support,&#8221; Gilman said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/343\/192\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/686\/384\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/672\/378\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/1344\/756\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/931\/523\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/1862\/1046\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/720\/405\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/1440\/810\/iStock-1124667816.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk-3.jpg\" alt=\"grieving woman supported by man\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>&#8220;It&#8217;s crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support,&#8221; a mental health expert said.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Risky behaviors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain,&#8221; said Gilman.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"pull-quote\" readability=\"5\">\n<p class=\"quote-text\">&#8220;Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p> <!----><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, <span class=\"waslinkname\">promiscuous sex<\/span> or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. Severe mood or behavior changes&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor\u2019s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.<\/p>\n<p>This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their &#8220;normal&#8221; demeanor.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/343\/192\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/686\/384\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/672\/378\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1344\/756\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/931\/523\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1862\/1046\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/720\/405\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1440\/810\/SPLIT-DRUG-ALCOHOL.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk.png\" alt=\"Split image of man holding joint and two people drinking liquor\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><span>Participating in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong>6. Withdrawal from support systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Pulling away from <span class=\"waslinkname\">friends, family<\/span> or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own,&#8221; Gilman warned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/span><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The signs aren\u2019t always obvious, however, Banta noted.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Preventing contagion after a suicide<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of &#8220;clusters&#8221; following a suicide.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Use careful communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly,&#8221; Fenkel said.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"pull-quote\" readability=\"6\">\n<p class=\"quote-text\">&#8220;Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p> <!----><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss,&#8221; she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Offer support<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/343\/192\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/686\/384\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/672\/378\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1344\/756\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/931\/523\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1862\/1046\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/720\/405\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1440\/810\/two-women-embracing.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk-4.jpg\" alt=\"Parent with teen\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, an expert advised. &#8220;This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss.&#8221;<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support,&#8221; she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.<\/p>\n<p>Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><strong><u>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In terms of <span class=\"waslinkname\">public health<\/span> communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Stop the stigma<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation,&#8221; Gilman warned.<\/p>\n<p>When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/343\/192\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/686\/384\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/672\/378\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1344\/756\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/931\/523\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1862\/1046\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/720\/405\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1440\/810\/holding-hands.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/is-suicide-contagious-mental-health-experts-warn-of-very-real-risk-5.jpg\" alt=\"Holding hands\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>&#8220;I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did,&#8221; a therapist told Fox News Digital.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a <span class=\"waslinkname\">sign of strength<\/span>, not weakness,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Suicide is a &#8220;fleeting state of mind,&#8221; Banta pointed out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"waslinkname\"><i><strong><u>For more Health articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/span><span class=\"waslinkname\"><i><strong><u>www.foxnews.com\/health<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don&#8217;t give up.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account &#8211; free of charge. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News&#8217; Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. 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