Data on survivor suicides is unavailable. One of four suicide attempters has a family history of suicide. Survivors are the group at highest risk of suicide. Adolescents who have lost a friend to suicide are almost 3 times more likely to complete suicide than those who have not. Survivors who have a consanguineous relationship to the victim may share neurobiological features that may increase the risk of suicidality.
All survivors are vulnerable to emotional disorders associated with suicidality.
Suicide loss is the ultimate stressor. The grief of both tends to be minimized. The loss felt by friends and classmates of youth victims is often not recognized by schools and relatives. There are few resources for older survivors, but the needs of youths are beginning to be addressed. The effects may stabilize, but the loss is forever felt.