BPDFamily.com

Hi Everyone,

I don't want to cause a panic. I just believe that forewarned is forearmed, so I wanted to share that I am concerned that the news of Robin Williams' apparent suicide may trigger others to do the same.  I recently read about "The Effects of Contagion" in Shari Manning's book, "Loving Someone with BPD."  Chapter 12 devotes a whole section to this topic.  She states, "An important risk factor for suicidal behaviors is what professionals refer to as contagion. Although the research debates whether suicidal behaviors are really contagious, those of us who look at risk factors for suicidal behaviors pay very close attention to our suicidal clients following other suicides."  She says, "When there is a highly publicized suicide, other suicides inevitably occur."

Please keep a close eye on your loved ones (as you already do) while we all grieve this terrible loss of one of the world's greatest comedians.

I agree. I also think the method of suicide can become a contagion.

In Australia Michael Hutchence (INXS) commited suicide by tying a cord to a hook behind a door and leaning forward on his knees.

A television show was created and televised recently. Two days later a well known Australian celebrity Charlotte Dawson used exactly the same method.

Then LeWren Scott did the same.

I beleive Robin Williams also used this method which seems to be described as asphyxia.

A young girl in my town used the same method two weeks ago. All related to cords and affixed to hooks on closed doors or door handles.

Suicide in the past was seen as painful and difficult to achieve. The reporting of this method which could be viewed as easy, successful and stress-free is a very real worry.

if there is one practical thing I could say in relation to this is to not allow locked doors.

It sounds trite, but it could make a difference. Time alone in a private locked room makes it easy to fall into a trance like attitude with a sole purpose, when at risk.

I have to agree with you.  Unfortunately suicide has hit me and my family.  My mom committed suicide when I was 22.  My sister was going through a really rough time a couple years ago and she too committed suicide 22 years after my mom.  I believe when it comes in to your family then it all the sudden becomes an option. The worse option.  My ds was hospitalized last year for suicide plan.  Being touched by suicide even once in your life is AWFUL!