This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 49,000 people expected to take their own lives in 2022.
While most suicides are caused by mental illness, statistics show that suicidal behavior can sometimes be “contagious” and lead to “suicide clusters.”
The CDC defines a suicide cluster as “a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space, or both than would normally be expected in a community.”
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Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a suicide prevention expert and licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania, acknowledged that the behavior could have a contagion effect, especially among young people.
While most suicides are caused by mental illness, statistics show that suicidal behavior can sometimes be “contagious” and lead to “suicide clusters.” (iStock)
“When people hear about suicide, especially when they hear about someone their age or someone in their community, it makes it feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress,” she told Fox News Digital.
“The more details that are shared, especially if they are shared in a sensational way, the greater the risk.”
Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works for the on-demand, professional help platform JustAnswer, said up to 5 percent of youth suicides could be attributed to a communicable disease.
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“The suicide rate will not necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather, it will increase for those who are similarly struggling with depression, anxiety or other overwhelming emotions,” she told Fox News Digital.
5 reasons why suicide is contagious
Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, cited four factors that could lead to mass suicide:
1. Normalization
Gilman said when people hear about suicide, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to cope with problems.
Experts encourage people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health to reduce stigma. (iStock)
“People often take their cues about how to behave from others,” she told Fox News Digital.
“If they see many people choosing suicide, they may believe it is socially acceptable or the 'right' thing to do.”
2. Copying or Modeling
“Some people may feel a connection or empathy with the person who has died and may emulate that person's behavior,” Gilman said.
“In close-knit communities, schools and social groups, when one member commits suicide, others in the same environment may feel similar distress or may be prone to similar behavior.”
“The more details that are shared, especially if they are shared in a sensational way, the greater the risk.”
Some people may emulate the actions of someone who has committed suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said.
“This may be due to feelings of despair or a desire to escape one's own distress.”
3. Social Proof
According to Gilman, people may believe that if other people are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them too.
“Social learning theory suggests that if the observed behavior (in this case suicide) is viewed as a positive outcome or a solution to a problem, that behavior may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated.”
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This risk may be heightened when a public figure or widely respected person commits suicide, as this can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that person, she added.
4. Vulnerability
“People who already suffer from mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors,” Gilman warned.
People experiencing difficult life circumstances such as job loss, divorce or financial difficulties may be more susceptible, she added.
“Isolation from friends, family and support groups may be a sign that the victim is suffering more than they can cope with on their own,” mental health experts warned. (iStock)
5. Recency Bias
“People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events they can easily remember,” Gilman said.
“If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, the idea of suicide may become more familiar and salient in people's minds.”
6 Warning Signs Among Survivors
For those affected by suicide, experts agree it's important to watch out for signs of serious distress, including:
1. Increased suicidal thoughts
“Recurrent or intensifying suicidal thoughts are a major warning sign that professional help is needed immediately,” Gilman advised.
“For example, survivors may think more frequently about taking their own life or make plans to do so.”
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They may also express feelings of being so overwhelmed that they believe suicide is their only option, she said.
2. You feel like a burden
Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana, says that when people say they feel like a burden, it's a “huge red flag.”
“A lot of people who try to take their own lives feel they're doing it for the people around them,” he told Fox News Digital.
“When we hear words like that, intervention is essential.”
3. Inability to cope with everyday life
“Difficulties managing everyday responsibilities and activities may indicate an emotional burden that is too great to cope with without professional support,” Gilman said.
“It's important to highlight support and hope and encourage those who are struggling to seek help,” the mental health expert said. (iStock)
Survivors may struggle to hold down a job, manage household chores, or take care of themselves due to their emotional state.
4. Risky behavior
Experts agree that engaging in risky or self-harming behaviors is a major sign that mental health treatment is needed.
“For example, victims may begin to inflict physical harm, such as cutting or burning, as a way to cope with emotional pain,” Gilman said.
“Many people who try to take their own lives feel they are doing it for the sake of those around them.”
“Or they may engage in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, promiscuity and drug abuse, putting their health and safety at risk.”
5. Significant changes in mood or behavior
Major changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor's ability to function in daily life can be a sign that help is needed, Gilman said.
This may include the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn, apathetic, or exhibiting behavior that is significantly different from their “normal” attitude.
Experts agree that participating in risky or self-harming behaviors is a significant sign that mental health treatment is needed. (iStock)
6. Withdrawal from support systems
“Isolation from friends, family and support groups may be a sign that the victim is suffering more than they can handle on their own,” Gilman warned.
The person may avoid interactions with people who would normally support them, turn down invitations, or become isolated.
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But the signs aren't always clear, Banta noted.
“We also see the opposite happen – when people make a plan, they feel like they've found an escape, and that makes them feel good,” he said.
Preventing infection after suicide
Experts offer the following tips to reduce the risk of post-suicide “clusters”:
1. Communicate with discretion
“It's important to be sensitive when discussing suicide publicly,” Fenkell said.
“Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
The best way to prevent infection is through responsible communication, she advised.
“This includes limiting details about the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of loss,” she said.
2. Offer support
Providing access to crisis resources helps vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.
The best way to prevent infection is through responsible communication, experts advised: “This includes limiting details about the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of loss.” (iStock)
“It's important to emphasize support and hope and encourage those who are struggling to seek help,” she said, noting that many schools and communities offer mental health services to help those grieving.
Banta agreed, noting that interventions and higher levels of care can help stabilize people and build stronger support systems.
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“From a public health communications perspective, we need to let people know that treatment is effective and that effective supports exist,” he said.
3. Eliminate prejudice
“Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can lead to suicidal thoughts,” Gilman warned.
When people feel comfortable talking about their mental health concerns without fear of being judged, they are more likely to seek professional help, she noted.
“I've worked with a lot of people who felt hopeless and thought their life would never get better, but in the end they did get better,” the therapist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Fenkel agreed and encouraged people to talk about mental health openly and compassionately.
“Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know help is available and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said.
Suicide is a “temporary state of mind,” Banta noted.
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“I've worked with a lot of people who felt hopeless and thought their life would never get better, but in the end they did,” he said.
“So if you're struggling and reading this, there is help. Don't give up.”
