Suicide contagion
According to research carried out by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian in 2009, 42% of all youth suicides are completed by young people who have lost someone of influence or significance to them to suicide. The Commission terms this suicide contagion and makes several recommendations as to the importance of safe guarding young people and communities from suicide contagion.
In 2010 the Australian Federal Parliament Standing Committee for Health and Ageing Inquiry into Youth Suicide met in a round table forum with young representatives from three organisations at the forefront of preventing youth suicide, including Sunnykids[3], Inspire, and Boys Town. The Standing Committee has since released a discussion paper highlighting the findings of their inquiry[4] and will seek to make final recommendations on the most effective means for reducing youth suicide at the conclusion of their inquiry.
[edit]Intervention
One organization in Australia has found that young people who feel connected, supported and understood are less likely to complete suicide. Reports on the attitudes of young people identified as at risk of suicide have been released.[5] such reports support the notion that connectedness, a sense of being supported and respected are protective factors for young people at risk of suicide.
[edit]Bereavement among young people
The primary goals of suicide postvention include assisting the survivors of suicide with the grief process, and identifying and referring those survivors who may be at risk for negative outcomes such as depressive and anxiety disorders, and suicidal behaviour[6]. With 42% of completed youth suicides being suicide bereavement (or contagion) related - further research and investment must be made into supporting this group of people, as they may represent the single largest potential reduction in youth suicide rates, if they receive effective support, feel connected, supported and understood.
[edit]Intervention issues for communities
Intervention issues for communities to address include suicide contagion, developmental understanding of suicide, development and suicide risk, and the influence of culture. Key matters in postvention responses for young people include community context, life stage relevance of responses, identification and referral (Postvention Co-ordination), developing a suite of services, and creating ongoing options.
