Do ‘copycat suicides’ really occur?

Yes, there is evidence to show that ‘copycat suicides’ do occur under some circumstances. If someone is already vulnerable (depressed, anxious, isolated, has made a previous attempt, and/or is showing other warning signs), one suicide can trigger another. “Copycat suicides” or “suicide contagion” is most pronounced when someone loses someone close to them. Youth also appear to be especially vulnerable. Other conditions that can increase the risk of ‘copycat suicides’ are high profile, sensational portrayals of suicide in the media, or inadvertent glorification of a suicide victim.