"Postvention is prevention for the next generation."

-Edwin S Shneidman, founder, American Association of Suicidology 

There are things we can do if we're worried someone may be at risk of suicide. One thing that can really make a difference is talking. Remember, it's ok to ask someone if they're thinking of suicide, it could save their life.

It’s important to watch out for signs of distress and changes in behaviour. If you know someone well, you can often tell if they are behaving in a way that may indicate serious distress.

There is evidence that shows if you ask someone if they are having thoughts of suicide, it can help protect them. It’s ok to ask someone, "are you having thoughts of suicide?". By asking directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden.

Below is a diagram based on the work of Dr Frank Campbell. It illustrates the different approaches to suicide behaviours.

Ways we prevent suicide 

Suicide prevention is an umbrella term for the collective efforts of local citizen organisations, mental health practitioners and related professionals to reduce the incidence of suicide. 

These efforts involve communities, professionals, and services working together to prevent individuals from contemplating suicide. 

Intervention 

The wheel of activity revolves from Prevention to Intervention. This process comes into play when someone experiences thoughts of suicide. 

Suicide Intervention involves direct efforts by an individual to prevent someone from engaging in suicide behaviour. It aims to stop a person from intentionally attempting to take their own life. We refer to this as Suicide First Aid®.

Postvention

Intervention may lead to Postvention, which involves the necessary work after someone dies by suicide. 

Postvention is an intervention conducted following a suicide, providing support for the bereaved—whether they are family members, friends, colleagues, or others.