Individuals who are exposed to a death by suicide of a household member have more than a four-fold higher risk of dying by suicide themselves, as well as an increased risk of death by any cause, according to a recent study in JAMA Network Open.
Why It’s Relevant
“Research has largely focused on suicide risk among bereaved relatives, though less is known about how many people are exposed and need support in the broader household or about their overall mortality risk from nonsuicide causes,” the study investigators wrote. “Understanding the long-term consequences of suicide exposure on mortality is essential for guiding public health and postvention efforts.”
By the Numbers
- The researchers analyzed data from a nationwide longitudinal study in Brazil encompassing more than 100 million individuals ages 10 and older.
- Individuals exposed to a household member’s death by suicide had 4.4 times the risk of dying by suicide themselves compared with those not exposed—a higher rate than seen in studies conducted in high-income countries.
- Individuals exposed to a household suicide also had a 32% higher risk of dying by any cause, including suicide.
- Among exposed individuals who went on to die by suicide, 44% died within two years. Among exposed individuals who died of any cause, 36% died within two years.
- Exposed individuals in households that had four essential services (water supply, sanitation, adequate housing materials, and waste disposal) had a lower risk of death by suicide or any cause than those who did not have all four services.
The Other Side
Some causes of death are not clear and may conceal hidden death by suicide, which may influence the findings. Also, the study population was composed of low-income individuals, which limits generalizability.
What’s Next
“These findings call for integrated postvention strategies including bereavement care, psychosocial support, and clinical follow-up, especially in lower-resource settings, to advance global mental health equity,” the researchers wrote.
Related Info
Source
Flávia Alves et al. JAMA Network Open. Published online November 25, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.45286.
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