Do anniversaries and special dates affect the risk of suicide among bereaved by suicide?

It has long been assumed that people bereaved by suicide are particularly vulnerable around significant dates such as the deceased’s birthday or the anniversary of their death. A new large Danish register-based study challenges this assumption. Although individuals bereaved by suicide have an elevated overall suicide risk, the risk does not appear to increase specifically around emotionally significant dates.

The study is based on Danish registrer data for all individuals who, between 1980 and 2016, lost a partner or first-degree relative to suicide and who themselves attempted suicide or died by suicide within five years of the loss. Researchers investigated whether there was an increased occurrence of suicidal behavior around the deceased’s date of birth and date of death, compared to other periods.

The results showed no increased risk around these anniversaries. However, there was a clear rise in suicide risk within the first 30 days following deaths from causes other than suicide, but not after suicide-related bereavement.

Although those bereaved by suicide are at higher risk of suicidal behavior, the risk is not concentrated around anniversaries. The findings suggest that support for the bereaved should be available continuously—not just on symbolic dates—as needs may vary throughout the grieving process.