A Post-Suicide Survey: The Perspective We Have Been Missing

Suicide is a major problem in the United States and in the state of Idaho. Prevention data are lacking for suicide primarily because information about those who completed suicide is not attainable. There are no published data from surveying the family members of the deceased. Our objective was to learn more about those who died by suicide by surveying family members or close contacts of the deceased.

We conducted a descriptive study using a 77-question survey to obtain information about those who died by suicide, with the survey being completed by their loved ones. Survey questions addressed the deceased's demographics, employment, mental health, substance use, access to lethal means, cultural and religious beliefs, relationships, etc. The survey was distributed in Southeast Idaho for 3 months.

Results showed that those who died by suicide in Southeast Idaho were predominantly: White (95%), male (77%), had no previous hospitalization for mental illness (76%), had a firearm in their home (66%), their religious beliefs matched those in their family and community (73%), they did not alert others or seek medical help (79%), had attempted suicide before (55%), had high stress in their most recent relationship (55%), or had current legal issues (54%). Firearms were the most common means of death (51%).

In Southeast Idaho, our data suggested those at the highest risk of suicide were White men who previously attempted suicide, were experiencing a relationship change, had legal trouble, and had quick access to a firearm in their home. Suicide prevention efforts should be focused on these risk factors.