Missing persons and suicide

Some people who go missing do so with the intention of taking their own lives.

There may be indicators in their behaviour that you can look for to assess their intentions.

Assess the risk of suicide

There are often clear indicators that a missing person has gone missing with the intention to take their own life. Some indicators could be:

• leaving a suicide note
• closing bank accounts
• preparing a Will.

In some cases, it may be difficult to determine whether a person has decided to take their own life, or has simply left to be alone for a while.

To assess if a missing person may be at risk of suicide, a number of factors can be considered.

Signs of higher suicide risk

Someone is at a higher risk if:

• they have attempted suicide before, even if they have never been reported missing previously
• they have recently talked in depth about taking their own life
• their disappearance coincides with significant dates in their life.

Subtle pre-suicidal behaviour

Some subtle pre-suicidal behaviours may also be displayed. The missing person may have:

• been significantly more affectionate before their disappearance
• uncharacteristically left their wedding ring on a bedside table or another obvious place before their disappearance – this is more common with men, particularly elderly men
• set their personal affairs in order before their disappearance
• left their wallet, purse, mobile phone or other necessary everyday items behind.

Mental illness and suicide

There is a strong association between suicide and mental illness, particularly depression.

Many people who have been reported as missing to police live with depression.

Possible suicide triggers

A person living with depression may have experienced a “trigger”, or specific troubling event. This may have contributed to them deciding to take their own life.

A trigger can be:

• relationship problems
• financial problems
• sexual problems
• employment problems
• education problems
• medical problems
• mental health problems
• addiction problems
• bereavement
• school bullying
• cyber bullying.

Support services

There are many services available where you can get support. See our Support services page for a range of services.