Health
Is suicide contagious? Mental health experts warn of very real risk
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be “contagious,” leading to “suicide clusters.”
Suicide clusters are defined as “a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community,” the CDC states.
ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES THREE TOP FACTORS DRIVING SUICIDE RATES
Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania, who is an expert in suicide prevention, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect — particularly among young people.
Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be “contagious,” leading to “suicide clusters.” (iStock)
“When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress,” she told Fox News Digital.
“The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.”
Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.
AMERICAN VETERANS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE ARE 95% MALE, CRISIS OFTEN DRIVEN BY FAMILY DISPUTES, SAY EXPERTS
“It doesn’t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well — with depression, anxiety and other feelings that may be overwhelming,” she told Fox News Digital.
5 possible reasons for suicide contagion
Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters.
1. Normalization
When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.
Experts encourage people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health to help reduce the stigma. (iStock)
“People often look to others for cues on how to behave,” she told Fox News Digital.
“If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or ‘correct’ thing to do.”
2. Copying or modeling
“Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions,” Gilman said.
“In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors.”
“The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk.”
Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said.
“This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain.”
3. Social proof
People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman.
“From social learning theory, if the observed behavior — in this case, suicide — is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated.”
‘SLEEP DISORDER DROVE MY SON TO SUICIDE,’ NEW YORK MOTHER SAYS: ‘BROKE MY HEART’
This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.
4. Vulnerability
“Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues — especially depression and anxiety — may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors,” Gilman warned.
Those experiencing difficult life circumstances — such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles — may be more susceptible, she added.
“Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own,” a mental health expert warned. (iStock)
5. Recency bias
“People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled,” Gilman said.
“If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people’s minds.”
6 warning signs among survivors
For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it’s important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.
1. Increased suicidal thoughts
“Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate professional help is necessary,” Gilman advised.
“For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it.”
NEW YORK TEEN STARTS NONPROFIT FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION THROUGH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS: ‘WANTED TO HELP’
They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.
2. Feelings of being a burden
People saying they feel like a burden is a “major red flag,” according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
“Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor,” he told Fox News Digital.
“When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential.”
3. Inability to cope with daily life
“Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the emotional burden is too great to handle without professional support,” Gilman said.
“It’s crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support,” a mental health expert said. (iStock)
The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.
4. Risky behaviors
Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.
“For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain,” said Gilman.
“Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor.”
“Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, promiscuous sex or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk.”
5. Severe mood or behavior changes
Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor’s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.
This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their “normal” demeanor.
Participating in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree. (iStock)
6. Withdrawal from support systems
“Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own,” Gilman warned.
The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.
The signs aren’t always obvious, however, Banta noted.
“We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape,” he said.
Preventing contagion after a suicide
Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of “clusters” following a suicide.
1. Use careful communication
“It’s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly,” Fenkel said.
“Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.
“This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss,” she said.
2. Offer support
Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.
The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, an expert advised. “This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss.” (iStock)
“It’s crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support,” she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.
Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“In terms of public health communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there,” he said.
3. Stop the stigma
“Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation,” Gilman warned.
When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted.
“I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did,” a therapist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.
“Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said.
Suicide is a “fleeting state of mind,” Banta pointed out.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did,” he said.
“So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don’t give up.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Creatine, the common muscle-building supplement, may help improve depression symptoms, new research suggests.
A systematic review, published in Genomic Press’ Brain Medicine, found that creatine monohydrate may be beneficial as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, although the evidence remains preliminary.
The Canada-based researchers analyzed data from five randomized controlled trials, evaluating the impact of creatine monohydrate intake on mental health.
AMERICANS ARE GIVING UP MULTIVITAMINS FOR A DIFFERENT DAILY HEALTH HABIT, STUDY FINDS
Four of the trials studied major depressive disorder, and another looked at bipolar disorder with a current depressive episode.
In one trial of women with depression who took 5 grams of creatine per day, plus the antidepressant escitalopram, there was greater improvement after eight weeks. Another study revealed benefit when creatine was added to cognitive behavioral therapy.
One study saw benefit when creatine was added to cognitive behavioral therapy. (iStock)
Other studies involving teen girls found no benefit from a variety of creatine dosages after eight weeks. The bipolar depression study also found no significant improvements when 6 grams of creatine was added to medication after six weeks.
COMMON VITAMIN MAY INFLUENCE BRAIN AGING IN WAYS SCIENTISTS DIDN’T EXPECT
In a press release, the researchers said previous studies have found that people with mood disorders process creatine differently in the brain. Because creatine helps produce energy, some scientists believe disruptions in this process may contribute to depression.
Although creatine has also been associated with boosting dopamine and serotonin, which most antidepressants target, the authors stressed that the link between brain creatine and mood “remains correlational,” as depression has “many moving parts.”
FINDING THE SLEEP ‘SWEET SPOT’ COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY SUGGESTS
Lead study author Bassam Jeryous Fares, a student in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, commented in a statement that the signal is “interesting, but not a verdict.”
“Two trials pointed one way and three pointed another,” he said. “That is not the kind of evidence on which you change clinical practice. It is the kind that tells you the question is worth further exploration.”
Although creatine has also been associated with boosting dopamine and serotonin, which most antidepressants target, the authors stressed that the link between brain creatine and mood “remains correlational.” (iStock)
Nicholas Fabiano, corresponding author and a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, added in the same press release that creatine “appears to be a safe intervention,” noting that side effects were limited to mild stomach pain.
“We cannot yet reliably say that creatine helps with depressive symptoms or if the findings are generalizable to everyone,” he added as a caveat.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Dr. Thea Gallagher, psychologist and director of wellness programs at NYU Langone, said that although creatine is best known for supporting muscle performance, it also helps the brain produce and use energy.
“Researchers believe that some people with depression may have alterations in brain energy metabolism, and creatine could help support these energy-producing pathways,” Gallagher, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “There is also emerging evidence that it may influence neurotransmitters and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, although these mechanisms are still being investigated.”
Creatine should be considered a “promising addition” to depression treatments, a doctor said. (iStock)
The research suggests that creatine may be most helpful when combined with established depression treatments rather than as a replacement, Gallagher emphasized.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“This research is encouraging because it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that supporting brain energy metabolism may be another pathway for improving depression symptoms,” she said.
“It’s exciting whenever we identify another potential tool that could complement existing treatments, particularly one that is relatively inexpensive and widely available.”
Limitations and caveats
The new study is a review of prior research rather than a new clinical trial, which can pose a limitation, the researchers acknowledged, adding that “larger, well-controlled trials are still needed.”
Gallagher noted that creatine should be considered as a potentially promising addition to treatment, rather than a substitute for psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, regular exercise or healthy sleep habits.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“While creatine has a strong safety profile for most healthy adults, it’s still important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement — particularly if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or have other medical conditions,” she advised.
For those experiencing signs of depression, Gallagher recommends seeking evidence-based mental healthcare.
“While creatine has a strong safety profile for most healthy adults, it’s still important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement – particularly if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or have other medical conditions,” a doctor advised. (iStock)
The doctor noted that depression is a “highly heterogeneous condition, so we still don’t know which patients are most likely to benefit or what the optimal treatment approach looks like.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Gallagher also cautioned that supplements have been known to generate “early enthusiasm” before larger studies have revealed “more modest effects.”
“Right now, I’d describe creatine as promising but not definitive,” she concluded. “It’s an area that deserves continued research, but it’s not something people should view as a standalone treatment for depression.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against one of the world’s leading causes of severe digestive illness has reached a milestone, according to new research.
Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year.
The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development.
MYSTERY PARASITE LEAVES AMERICANS BATTLING ‘EXPLOSIVE’ ILLNESS AS CDC INVESTIGATES
The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE).
One of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, ETEC is known to disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite years of research, there is currently no broadly effective vaccine to prevent the infection, according to the study.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in the decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against ETEC, a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. (iStock)
The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step.
“We still have a lot of work to do to translate these findings to an actual vaccine,” Fleckenstein, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. “But the approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses that appear to offer protection against diarrheal illness after the first infection in children in developing countries.”
ETEC is a leading bacterial cause of severe diarrhea worldwide, especially among children in low- and middle-income countries. (iStock)
If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In the meantime, Fleckenstein said travelers can take steps to reduce their risk of diarrheal illnesses. He recommends avoiding high-risk foods — including meals from street vendors in areas where sanitation may be poor — drinking bottled water in higher-risk regions, and practicing good hand hygiene.
While a vaccine is still years away, experts recommend avoiding high-risk foods, drinking bottled water and washing your hands to reduce the risk of ETEC. (iStock)
Fleckenstein also noted that vaccines are available to protect against typhoid fever, and said travelers should consult their physician before traveling internationally.
The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public.
While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed “we may be the first generation who won’t die,” revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to “eat itself.”
The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140, when he would in theory be 160 years old.
Now, Johnson says he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the stomach’s acid-producing parietal cells, reducing stomach acid and impairing vitamin B12 absorption, according to Nature Reviews Disease Primers.
HOW A 93-YEAR-OLD SOCCER REFEREE CREDITS WARTIME RATIONS AND DISCIPLINE FOR HIS LONGEVITY
“My stomach is eating itself,” he wrote in an Instagram post. Johnson also shared that anywhere from 2% to 5% of people likely have this disease.
“I’m going to try to solve it,” Johnson went on. “Will share all.”
Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed “we may be the first generation who won’t die,” revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to “eat itself.” (Getty Images)
The biohacker shared that as a child, he ate sugary cereal, drank sugary soda and “gobbled down fast food.”
“I became a young father of three and began building a business,” Johnson went on. “Juggling that stress and grind, I let my health slip and gained 40 lbs. Within a few years I’d fallen into a deep, chronic depression.”
DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE
“Somewhere in that timeline, my body began developing an autoimmune process affecting my thyroid and then my stomach lining,” he added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment.
AIG can remain hidden and can be challenging to diagnose, Johnson noted, often surfacing years after damage has already occurred to the stomach. It can cause iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and anemia, and can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, the expert warned.
“Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn’t shown up yet,” Johnson wrote. “That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
He also shared that for 11 years, he has had low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the body’s cells. Ferritin releases iron when the body needs it, supports muscle function and carries out other essential processes.
“We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work,” he said.
The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140. (Getty Images)
Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron.
“But none of them explained the core failure: Despite me taking iron orally, trailing every formulation and using every timing trick, none of the iron would stick.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, which examined his entire intestinal tract. Five biopsies were also taken from his stomach, which found “clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining.”
In January 2026, the biohacker stated in a post on his website that “by 2039, my goal is immortality.”
“In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack,” Johnson said in his post. (Getty Images)
He detailed his strategy for defying aging, which includes embracing a strict regimen to slow or stop biological aging, using AI to accelerate longevity research, testing new treatments in lab-grown cells and organs, and reaching “longevity escape velocity” — in which medical advances would eventually extend lifespan faster than he ages.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I may fail at this task, but my team and I will try our best,” he wrote at the time.
There is currently no cure for AIG, which Johnson said he wants to change.
Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron. (iStock)
“In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack.”
Johnson ended his post by urging others to prioritize their health.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Care for yourself, care for others, care for the planet and care for our animal friends. Care for life, as it’s the most precious gift there is.”
The longevity guru also shared an image showing the detailed findings of his five stomach biopsies.
-
Oklahoma1 minute agoOklahoma City police release drone footage of deadly officer-involved shooting
-
Oregon6 minutes agoNational report: Oregon great for giving kids health insurance, bad for teaching them how to read
-
Pennsylvania13 minutes agoThe 11 Most Picturesque Small Towns in Pennsylvania
-
Rhode Island16 minutes agoThe Must C’s of Rhode Island
-
South-Carolina21 minutes agoWhen is South Carolina’s tax free weekend? Here’s what to know
-
South Dakota28 minutes ago150-mile power line to connect substation near Fargo to northeast South Dakota
-
Tennessee31 minutes agoWhen is Tennessee’s tax-free weekend in 2026? Here’s what you need to know
-
Texas36 minutes ago
Trump takes credit for Toyota moving some truck production from Mexico to Texas: ‘That’s what tariffs do’
