Impacts of missing persons
Family member missing from holiday photo
Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background, may face the issue of someone they know becoming a missing person

The impact on families and friends, and the missing people themselves, can be both profound and multi-faceted. Commonly reported impacts on family and friends of missing persons include health consequences, time off from work, and financial costs associated with the search.

  • Most missing persons are reported to police by family. Research reveals that for every missing person reported, on average at least 12 other people are affected whether it is emotionally, physically, psychologically or financially. For families, not knowing what has happened to someone they love is devastating.

    Families and friends of missing people often mention that a personal checklist helps provide direction amongst the confusion they are facing. The practical matters section of our website provides a list of financial and personal matters to consider. 

  • For the missing person themselves it is often difficult to find the support they require to address their situation. Research conducted in the UK found that “being labelled as missing was traumatic […] and the loss of control to talk about their experiences in a way that was meaningful for them added to the trauma.” (Geographies of Missing Persons, 2013)

    People who intentionally go missing often do so to escape or remove themselves from something that isn’t making them happy. These people are generally lacking the support they require to manage their situation and may feel that going missing is their only option. Improving community support – particularly around mental health – is key to reducing the impacts on missing persons.

  • Part of our mandate is to reduce the impact of missing persons on the Australian community. Awareness of the issue and enhancing community support mechanisms are key parts of our strategy. Our supporting those who are left behind package is a counselling framework aimed at increasing the support for families of missing persons provided by health and welfare professionals.

  • Uncertainty about the health and whereabouts of a missing person can have an enormous impact on the psychological and physical health of those left behind.

    Physical symptoms

    • People often report experiencing a range of physical responses, including sleepiness, memory loss, racing heart rate, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chills, headaches and nausea. These symptoms may be associated with having someone go missing, however, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure there is not another cause for the symptoms. 

    Emotional reactions

    • Many families describe the ‘emotional roller-coaster’ they experience when someone is missing. Rapid and unexpected emotional changes are not uncommon.
    • Crying, sleeplessness, bad dreams, moodiness, confusion, lack of appetite, loss of concentration, low tolerance and angry outbursts are just some of the descriptions provided by families and friends faced with the uncertainty that comes with having someone missing.

    See the looking after your physical and emotional health page, for further information on physical and psychological impacts and strategies to look after yourself and others.