Controlling the Environment to Prevent Suicide: International Perspectives

Suicidal & suicidal behaviour are multifaceted events requiring complex solutions. Controlling the environment is a neglected solution, despite strong support for this approach from the World Health Organization. To discuss this approach from a global view, the present review is written by authors from various cultures. Gun control is examined to illustrate the environmental control approach; however, the worldwide diversity of suicide methods calls for diverse responses. Further, controlling the environment encompasses more than restricting the means of suicide, which is illustrated by the authors with examples of toned-down media reports & restricted medicine availability. (36 refs.)