2. Suicide prevention
  3. Approaches

Intervention

Intervention-focused approaches are an aspect of suicide prevention, often referred to as secondary prevention, or ‘downstream’ approaches. These approaches target individuals who are already experiencing suicidal distress with a focus on effective treatment and support.

Interventions include a broad spectrum of activities targeted at a population and individual level.

Suicide interventions aim to:

What does this mean?What activities support this?
Intervene earlyIdentify individuals who are showing signs of suicidal distress and provide clear pathways to supports and services.
  • Gatekeeper training/capacity building to assist others to detect signs of suicidal distress.
  • Have clear and understandable pathways to access crisis services.
Reduce duration and severityAccess to evidence-based treatments and interventions to lower the severity or duration of the suicidal crisis and/or following a suicide attempt.
  • Having integrated care and skilled workforces.
  • Individualised safety planning.
  • After care or follow up after a suicide attempt.
Prevention First (adapted): A Framework for Suicide Prevention
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In this section

Safe spaces

Safe spaces are becoming an important alternative to suicide prevention in clinical settings.

Aftercare

Aftercare is designed to increase access to, and engagement with care, to prevent future suicidal behaviour during the critical period immediately following a suicide attempt.