The effect of time on suicide after bereavement among widowed persons was examined. Data were extracted from Swiss mortality statistics for the period 1987-2005. The time between bereavement & subsequent suicide was determined by linkage of individual records of married persons. Suicide rates & standardized mortality ratios in the first week/month/year of widowhood were calculated. The annualized suicide rates in widowed persons were highest in the first week after bereavement, 941 males & 207 females per 100,000. In the first month(s) after bereavement, the rates & ratios decreased, first rapidly, then gradually. (17 refs.)