
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.
Although copycat suicides and suicide clusters exist, it’s not a guarantee that one death by suicide will cause multiple others.
Media coverage matters when a suicide occurs. Glamorizing the death and providing too many details makes it more likely that others will imitate the event.
If you’re a member of the media –or an individual with a voice – reporting on a suicide, consider reviewing the guidelines available at ReportingOnSuicide.org to get helpful guidance on what may cause harm and what you can do to avoid it.
Source – suicidemyths.org