The Ripple Effect: How One Suicide Can Touch 135 Lives

Written By Chris Denzler

 The Ripple Effect: How One Suicide Can Touch 135 Lives

When someone dies by suicide, the impact doesn’t stop with the individual. It radiates outward, affecting a wide circle of people—far beyond immediate family and close friends. According to research led by Dr. Julie Cerel and colleagues, each suicide affects approximately 135 people who knew the deceased in some capacity (Cerel et al., 2018). This includes family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, healthcare providers, and even first responders. The emotional, psychological, and social consequences can be profound and long-lasting.

This concept is known as “suicide exposure,” which refers to the degree to which someone is affected by knowing a person who died by suicide. Exposure can range from intimate grief to secondary trauma, depending on the relationship and circumstances. For example, a sibling may experience intense sorrow and guilt, while a coworker may struggle with confusion or helplessness. Even those who didn’t know the person well—such as a teacher, pastor, or local business owner—may feel shaken by the loss, especially in tight-knit communities.

Among the 135 affected, some will experience what mental health professionals call “complicated grief.” This form of grief is prolonged and deeply disruptive, often accompanied by guilt, shame, anger, or unresolved questions. Survivors may ask themselves: “Could I have done something?” “Did I miss the signs?” These questions can haunt people for years, especially if they lack access to support or education about suicide and mental health.

The impact also extends to professionals. First responders, therapists, and medical staff who encounter suicide in their work often carry emotional burdens that are rarely acknowledged. They may experience vicarious trauma, burnout, or moral distress. Without proper debriefing and support, these professionals can become part of the 135—quietly suffering in the aftermath.

Importantly, the ripple effect isn’t just emotional—it’s behavioral. Studies show that suicide exposure can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts among those affected (Pitman et al., 2014). This is especially true for young people and those with preexisting mental health conditions. The phenomenon of “suicide contagion” underscores the need for careful, compassionate communication after a suicide occurs.

But there is hope. Psychoeducational groups, grief counseling, and community outreach programs can help mitigate the damage. When survivors are given space to process their emotions, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand their pain, healing becomes possible. Mental health professionals play a vital role in guiding this process, offering tools to navigate grief and build resilience.

In the wake of a suicide, the 135 people left behind often carry invisible burdens—grief, guilt, confusion, and unanswered questions (Cerel et al., 2018). But for those who survive a suicide attempt, a different kind of awakening can occur. Many survivors report an immediate shift in perspective: some feel regret the moment they realize what they’ve done, while others experience it gradually as they reflect on the impact their actions had on loved ones (Muller & Mugford, 2023). These realizations often include the understanding that they didn’t truly want to die—they wanted relief from emotional pain—and that their life matters more than they ever imagined. Survivors also describe discovering they are not alone, and that connection and healing are possible through support groups, therapy, and honest conversations (SAMHSA, 2015). These revelations mirror the ripple effect described in the earlier article: just as one loss can affect 135 lives, one recovery can inspire hope in just as many. Survivors often become advocates, reminding others that healing is possible and that every life carries deep, often unseen value. Their stories are proof that even in the darkest moments, life still holds meaning—and that every person matters more than they know.

Understanding the 135 is not just a statistic—it’s a call to action. It reminds us that suicide prevention isn’t only about saving lives before a crisis; it’s also about supporting lives after one. By acknowledging the wide-reaching impact of suicide, we can build more compassionate communities, reduce stigma, and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.

Resources for support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then press 1
SAMHSA Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Citations:

Chris Denzler
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