Suicide Loss Survivors

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The death of an individual to suicide strongly impacts the lives of friends and family members.  It is said that each individual who dies by suicide is survived by six loved ones – ‘survivors’ - whose lives are profoundly affected.  While each survivor's path of healing is unique, many experience shock, grief, depression, anger, and feelings of guilt. The American Association of Suicidology reports that there are currently over 47,000 suicides annually in the USA.  Every death by suicide leaves behind at least 130 people who report they knew the person who died which means that approximately 1 million new people a year in the US are directly impacted by the suicide of someone close to them.  

 

Information and support services are available locally and online.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers an array of supports and services, including a listing and contact information for local support groups for survivors.  

 

For local support in Westchester County, contact the Department of Community Mental Health for services and to find other resources in your area.

 

Suicide Attempt Survivors

 

According to the American Association of Suicidology, there is 1 suicide attempt every 26 seconds in the US. It is estimated that for each completed suicide, on average, an additional 25 non-fatal attempts have been made.  For youth, that ratio is considered to be at least 100 attempts per completed suicide.  Although males are three times more likely than females to die by suicide, females attempt suicide three times as often as males.

 

Those who have survived suicide behavior require support and assistance and it is essential to help these individuals develop "Safety Plans" and alternative means to manage the circumstances that precipitated their thoughts of suicide and behaviors.  The role of Peer Support has grown to assist those at risk of suicide and suicide-specific treatments are available at community agencies.  

 

Identifying the various protective factors can help to lessen thoughts of suicide and reduce the risk of negative outcomes. The following strategies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can increase protective factors, such as:  

• Increasing accessibility to mental health care to all populations 

• Promoting connectedness throughout communities through community groups and supports  

• Teaching problem-solving skills and building resilience through different skill-building programs and social-emotional learning programs 

• Strengthening economic supports  

• Creating protective environments   

 

More resources for suicide attempt survivors can be found here.