Next-of-kin of people who have attempted suicide

A new survey conducted by Epinion for DRISP, NEFOS, and Bedre Psykiatri among 5,000 Danes aged 18 to 97 shows that more than one in five Danes knows someone who has attempted suicide. One in ten has experienced that a person with whom they had a close or very close relationship attempted suicide. While four out of ten report having been deeply emotionally affected, half said that they received “no” adequate help or support in coping with the suicide attempt afterwards.

In Denmark, there are approximately 11,000–12,000 suicide attempts each year. The exact number is unknown, as not all individuals are seen at hospitals. Until now, we have not known how many people are affected when someone attempts to take their own life. We now have the answer: In a representative sample of the Danish population, 22 percent answered yes to the question, “Have you experienced that someone you know has survived a suicide attempt?”

Witnessing a close friend, parent, child, or sibling attempt suicide is often a shocking experience. Research has shown that the mental health of relatives can suffer as a result. One’s ability to work, physical health, and social life can also be affected. Therefore, it is crucial that relatives receive the best possible support — both for their own well-being and to better help the person at risk of suicide. In the population survey, half of those affected reported that they did not feel they received sufficient help and support in the period following the incident.