Learning Outcomes

Module 5 examines postvention, which supports families and communities to heal following a suicide as well as prevention on a broader community level. Whereas postvention deals with the loss of an individual, prevention aims to reduce the losses across entire communities. As stigma is a barrier to action on the part of both people who are suicidal as well as those who might intervene, the module discusses forms of stigma as well as its impact on individuals and communities. In order to elevate suicide prevention to a broader community and national level, the role of Media’s in combatting stigma is also discussed.

Learning Outcomes

• Define postvention and its importance in suicide prevention
• Discuss key postvention strategies for supporting the bereaved, and explain how these strategies can help prevent suicide contagion and support community healing.
• Gain an understanding of the various forms of stigma and learn effective approaches for challenging and reducing stigma.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of media in suicide prevention, including how reporting on suicide can influence public perceptions of suicide and mental health.