Suicidal thoughts are not contagious in the way viruses or germs are, but it is well researched that suicides may occur in clusters.  There is also usually a spike in the number of suicides after a well-known figure dies by suicide.  Suicide contagion is real.  That’s why the Centers for Disease Control issues guidelines for how the media should report on suicide.  The hope is to prevent going into a level of detail that might inadvertently encourage others.  

People who are already struggling are the most likely to be influenced by the suicide of a celebrity or member of their community. Clusters of suicides may occur in schools, families, or among people of common backgrounds. Young people and those with mental illness are especially vulnerable to suicide contagion. Young people are also more likely to be active on social media where discussions about suicide are less moderated.  This puts young people in an especially dangerous position after the suicide of a friend, classmate, or celebrity.  For more on this check out this week’s blog, “Social Media and Suicide Contagion.”