In the realm of suicide prevention, the term "postvention" stands as a crucial but often misunderstood concept. While it typically refers to activities undertaken after a suicide to reduce risk and foster healing, its importance extends beyond the aftermath of tragedy. In this video and article, Ken Norton, LICSW, executive director, of the New Hampshire chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness delves into the vital role of postvention as a preventive strategy, emphasizing the need to prepare for it proactively. He explains that loss survivors, labeled as "survivors," experience a myriad of emotions and challenges, making it imperative to address their needs comprehensively. Drawing parallels to ripples in a pond, the impact of a suicide death extends far beyond immediate family, affecting friends, colleagues, and even entire communities. This ripple effect underscores the importance of incorporating cultural considerations into postvention efforts, acknowledging the isolating and life-altering experience of losing someone to suicide. Beyond individual grief, suicide can have community-wide repercussions, with the potential for clusters and contagion. Media reporting on suicide also plays a role, either contributing to contagion or mitigating risk through responsible reporting. The article argues for the integration of postvention as a fundamental component of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts, emphasizing its role alongside prevention and intervention in a three-legged stool approach.

Watch the video or read the article to learn more about postvention and its role in suicide prevention.