The Effects of Suicide on Family Members
ore than 720,000 million people die by suicide worldwide each year. This is a devastating statistic. In the US, it is the leading cause of death.
Death by suicide is a profoundly shocking and traumatic experience for everyone involved, especially for the family of the deceased. The impact of suicide on an affected family can be incredibly devastating, and may be a contributing reasons behind a family’s decline into depression, fights, and unrest.
Another impact of suicide loss is higher risk of complicated/prolonged grief, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, the right support that’s safe and confidential may improve outcomes.
Many people wonder what happens after suicide and how does everything get handled in a painless and effective way? If you are searching for the answers to these questions, then this article may be of help. It aims to familiarize you with how these situations are handled.
By understanding these impacts, we can better support families during trying times. Raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about suicide prevention are critical steps in mitigating these effects and helping families heal.
Spaulding Decon works discreetly and with compassion, we truly respect the story of every life.
How many people are affected? Research estimates that each suicide may expose ~135 people who knew the person.
Immediate Steps for Families (First Hour and First 48 Hours)
If you, your family, or loved ones have been affected by a suicide, you need to be aware of the key steps to take in the first 24–72 hours. Here’s a short checklist of action steps that the NIMH recommends to help you:
- Ensure safety. Call emergency services if needed.
- Accept guidance from law enforcement. Avoid disturbing the scene until it is released.
- Do not attempt cleanup. There is a high risk of bloodborne pathogens.
- Identify a trusted contact to handle logistics (e.g. for insurance, pets, mail, notifications).
- Reach out for support.
A few important resources to have on hand during this time include:
Local faith/community
Impact on Families: What the Research Shows (2025)
Suicide has far-reaching consequences, deeply affecting families emotionally, socially, and financially. The research findings below reveal the scale of this tragedy and emphasize the need for support and awareness.
Key statistics:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the leading causes of death in the United States, with over 45,000 lives lost each year. Each of these deaths leaves behind an estimated 135 people profoundly affected, including family members, friends, and colleagues.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) highlights that families who lose a loved one to suicide are at increased risk for mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, prolonged grief disorder (PGD), and PTSD. The emotional toll is compounded by feelings of guilt, stigma, and social isolation that often follow.
- Research published on PubMed Central (PMC) shows that family members who lose someone to suicide are more likely to experience complicated grief, which can last significantly longer than other types of bereavement. These individuals may also face financial strain due to funeral costs, potential loss of income, and expenses related to professional support services.
By understanding these impacts, we can better support families during these trying times. Raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about suicide prevention are critical steps in mitigating these effects and helping families heal.
Handling Suicide and Unattended Death Cleanup
Handling suicide and unattended death cleanup should always be performed by professionals for health and safet reasons. These situations commonly have biohazard risks (bloodborne pathogens), which require the use of specialized personal protective equipment (PPE). Regulated disposal is required by OSHA standards. As such, it is not safe to DIY.
Worth noting in these cases is that while law enforcement secures and investigates, they do not perform cleanup. Responsibility typically rests with the property owner/manager, though state victim funds or insurance may help.
At Spaulding Decon, our role is to offer discreet scene release coordination, regulatory compliance, respectful item handling, and documentation for insurance. We highly recommend that you consider hiring a professional cleanup crew rather than doing the cleaning yourself.
Here are some important things to keep in mind in the event you are dealing with the result of suicide:
Navigating Insurance and Costs
Navigating insurance and costs in these difficult times is a necessary part of the process. In these times, you’ll want to know what your options are. It is important to note that coverage varies by policy and this is why you should contact your adjuster and review your declarations page.
Many policies may include biohazard/trauma scene remediation under dwelling/property coverage, but exclusions apply. To be sure of where you and your family stand, ask about the following aspects: deductible, sub‑limits, exclusions for intentional acts, and whether third‑party contractors can bill directly.
There is also victim compensation to consider. Note that all US states/territories operate compensation programs that can reimburse certain cleanup costs. However, this varies by state.
Why Law Enforcement Doesn’t Perform Cleanup
Quick Answer: The police and coroners are not responsible for cleaning up after a suicide or unattended death. Their role is to investigate, manage safety, and secure the scene. Once released, cleanup is a private responsibility, often left to the property owner or insurer who should call in professionals.
It may be hard to deal with the logistics because of the psychological trauma you’re going through in those particular moments, but rest assured it’s always a good idea to be prepared as opposed to solving issues as they emerge.
Should You Clean Up the Scene Yourself?
It is strongly advised that you do not attempt cleanup due to biohazard risks and potential re‑traumatization. Furthermore, OSHA requires exposure control, PPE, and regulated waste handling that is not available to the public.
Bear in mind that insurance and victim compensation may offset costs. At Spaulding Decon, we coordinate discreetly with carriers.
Our professional crews use special chemicals and cleaning solutions that are often not available in regular stores. Furthermore, our cleanup crew comprises trained individuals who know exactly how to handle the situation professionally and compassionately and what to do at any given moment.
What Happens to Personal Belongings?
Many people wonder what happens to the victim’s personal belongings after a suicide occurs. This depends on many factors, mainly on whether the victim lived in a family home or alone. Professional cleanup services can assist families by respectfully handling these belongings, providing a sense of closure while alleviating some of the emotional burden.
As part of our respectful and compassionate process, we follow the steps below as guidelines but we also understand that every situation is different and requires a distinct approach:
- Non‑porous items may be decontaminated
- Porous items with biohazard are usually disposed of per regulation
- Sentimental items are handled with consent and chain‑of‑custody, where applicable
We provide families with an inventory list and options (return, donate, dispose) documented for insurance
If an investigation is ongoing, we coordinate with authorities before moving items
Psychological Effects of Suicide on Family
Death by suicide has wide-reaching impacts. Whether it’s their family, a significant other, friends, neighbors, or colleagues, many people are affected by the impact of the loss.
The emotional toll such as grief and PGD is often compounded by the practical aspects of coping with the event. Professional cleanup services not only ensure the scene is handled with care and expertise but also allow families to focus on their emotional recovery without the added stress of managing logistics.
Need Immediate Support? Spaulding Decon Offers Professional Biohazard Cleanup Services To Help You And Your Family During This Difficult Time.
Since this is such a tragic and traumatic moment, it’s not unusual to see long-term consequences on a person’s psyche after dealing with the passing of a loved one. In some cases, people who have dealt with suicide may start contemplating suicide themselves.
This is not to be taken lightly, and if you ever notice a sudden change in the behavior of a person who is close to you or the victim, don’t hesitate to talk about the lingering problems or at least try to recognize and identify signs that may turn into red flags.
It’s encouraged that you seek evidence‑based support options such as CBT‑informed grief programs, peer groups, and faith/community support structures. Professional therapists can help you in many ways, including:
- Treating PTSD
- Helping you make sense of a loved one’s death and understanding its impact
- Help you go through the grieving process more easily
- Help you cope with the different reactions of your family
You should always seek professional help, especially if you experience some of the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety, flashbacks, and PTSD
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleep problems
- Sudden changes in weight and mood
- Falling victim to vices such as alcohol, drugs, and smoking
Each of these symptoms should be dealt with early on because it becomes increasingly harder to mitigate the psychological impact of suicide as the symptoms progress. Therefore, the best course of action is to seek help immediately.
How to Help Children Understand Suicide
Children often struggle to comprehend the concept of suicide, especially when it affects someone close to them. It’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and honesty.
- Be age-appropriate: Use language they can understand and use simple language.
- Invite questions: Let them ask questions and answer honestly but gently. Avoid graphic details.
- Provide reassurance: Emphasize that the child is not to blame and that their feelings of sadness or confusion are normal.
- Seek professional help: Consider therapy specifically tailored for children to help them process their emotions in a healthy way.
How to Support a Loved One Having Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is usually preventable. However, knowing how to approach such a delicate problem is vital to avoid causing more harm than good. Here are some things to should keep in mind if you happen to recognize suicidal tendencies in loved ones:
- Ask directly about suicide in a calm, non‑judgmental way.
- Be there and listen.
- Don’t leave them alone if in imminent danger.
- Help keep them safe: remove/lock away medications, firearms, or other lethal means if possible and safe to do so.
- Help them connect: call or text 988 or contact local emergency services.
- Encourage contacting a trusted person or clinician.
- Follow up after the crisis.
The Importance of Professional Help After Suicide
Seeking professional help is essential after suicide. It’s important to note that professional help should include mental health care (therapy, peer groups, PGD evaluation) and professional scene remediation (biohazard cleanup).
For mental health, explore the NIMH “Find Help” resource, or lean on local providers, faith/community supports and the AFSP and Alliance of Hope for survivor groups.
For professional suicide cleanup services, you’ll receive all the help you need with the physical aspects. This should always be performed with discretion and efficiency and serve as a source of relief for families.
If you are in need of cleanup after a suicide in your home, the caring and compassionate team at Spaulding Decon is available to assist you in this time of need. We work with you or your designated person of contact, and your insurance company to make everything as seamless as possible during your time of need.
Please contact us today by reaching out to your nearest Spaulding Decon location.
Need Immediate Support?
If you’re facing this loss, you don’t have to do the logistics alone. We can coordinate with investigators and insurers, remediate safely, and protect your privacy. Spaulding Decon works discreetly and with compassion, we truly respect the story of every life. We offer phone, SMS, and discreet photo review pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Law enforcement secures the scene and investigates; cleanup is typically the property owner’s responsibility. Some states provide victim compensation for cleanup costs.
No. Biohazard risks require OSHA‑level protection, training, and regulated disposal.
Intense grief, guilt, anger, confusion, and stigma are common. If severe symptoms persist or impair functioning, ask a clinician about Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and therapy options.
Follow the NIMH five steps: Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect (988), and Follow Up. Another option is to call 988 “Help Someone Else.”
If you need help after a suicide loss, we can coordinate respectfully with authorities and insurers, remediate safely, and handle belongings with care. Spaulding Decon works discreetly and with compassion, we truly respect the story of every life.
