When a community loses someone to suicide, the grief is compounded by stigma, confusion, and fear. Mental Health First Aid Israel addresses this critical phase through what's called postvention—support offered to survivors after a suicide occurs.
Postvention includes memorial guidance (how to honor the deceased without romanticizing the act), outreach to those closest to the person, and psychoeducation about suicide contagion.
MHFA Israel also trains communities to watch for ripple effects. Suicide can trigger suicidal ideation in others—particularly those who were close to the deceased or who struggle with similar issues.
By responding quickly and sensitively, communities can interrupt cycles of despair and transform tragedy into a turning point for prevention.
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