‘Suicide is preventable’ is cant

Objective: The statement is frequently made that ‘suicide is preventable’, with no qualifications and sending the message that all suicide is preventable. The consequences included that surviving friends and relatives feel guilt and clinical and prison staff are publicly criticised. If folks wish to make this statement, they need to detail the steps they would take to prevent particular suicides. We list three Australian men who suicided after being disgraced and faced with long prison terms.

Conclusion: We concluded that there is no sure way of preventing the deaths of these men. If the statement that ‘suicide is preventable’ is to continue to be made, it should always be accompanied by qualifications as to which circumstances it applies.