Vision Zero in Suicide Prevention and Suicide Preventive Methods

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a global public health issue, and countries need to be working toward a comprehensive and holistic response to prevent suicide and suicidal behaviors. Vision Zero for suicide is an aspiring goal that aims to lower suicide occurrence through a combined action of public health and healthcare sectors. Vision Zero for suicide has a multilevel and multidisciplinary approach that intends to provide a systemic change in society to facilitate and put suicide prevention on the agenda. This chapter explores the origins of Vision Zero for suicide by first presenting theoretical models that influenced suicidal behavior preventive programs. Then, Vision Zero for suicide goals, advantages, challenges, and examples of implementation in some countries will be presented. Further, evidence-based suicide prevention programs in existing public health and healthcare settings will be described as they support the Vision Zero aims. Vision Zero is an ambitious goal, but one that is worth aspiring to achieve, as the potential outcomes for suicide prevention implementation and research are very worthwhile.