About Suicide Prevention

Introduction to the public health approach

Suicide is a huge but largely preventable problem.

The approach most likely to produce significant and sustained reductions in suicide is the public health approach. The public health approach to suicide prevention focuses on identifying broader patterns of suicide and suicidal behavior throughout a group or population. This is in contrast to the clinical approach that explores the history and health conditions leading to suicide in the individual.

The public health approach to suicide prevention is a five-step process. Click on the boxes in the figure below to learn more about each step.

The Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention

Strategic Action Planning Process

Interventions to promote emotional health and prevent mental health problems should be chosen in the context of a strategic thinking and planning process. Taking the time to define the problem that needs to be addressed and clearly define goals will help to maximize success. Whenever possible, communities should base their interventions on evidence-based research and best practices. The model below provides guidelines for planning successful interventions using a public health approach.

Other key ingredients
Despite how comprehensive it is, a strategic prevention planning process cannot ensure success on its own. A number of other key ingredients described in the Legacy Wheel are essential for successful suicide prevention initiatives:

• Leaders who help a group articulate its vision and mission, guide data-driven decision-making, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure that diverse views are heard and considered
• Collaborative partnerships among key stakeholders who form a planning team or coalition of public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and resources
• Capacity and infrastructure to implement and sustain the plan
• Marketing and communication strategies targeting key stakeholders to gain support for the program’s goals and outcomes and shape community values and norms
• Public policy advancements through the work of legislators and others that support the priorities of the plan
• Resources, including funding, human resources, and other elements of community capacity

Taking action

The goal of SPRC is to prevent suicides and suicide attempts. Things you can do to help:

• Learn the warning signs of suicide and how to respond.
  Warning signs include changes in a person’s mood and sleeping pattern. 
• Get involved in state and community efforts.
  Visit the SPRC State and Communities  page  to learn more about suicide prevention activities already underway in your state. Connect with  the contacts listed on those pages to learn how you can get involved.
• Make changes within your profession or organization.
  Visit the SPRC customized information pages  to learn more about effective suicide prevention in your work setting or professional role.

Connect with national suicide prevention organizations.
Learn more about national organizations involved in suicide prevention. 

Read the resources in the SPRC Online Library.
The SPRC Online Library contains a section called Suicide Prevention 101, which is a great place to start if you are new to suicide prevention.