Flickr Photo/Pedro Simoes
The highest suicide rates among any age group come from the 65 and older population. According to the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, the risks of suicide completion increase after age 65. In Colorado, males over the age of 75 have the greatest risk of dying by suicide. With an aging population, state mental health professionals are concerned about Colorado's elderly in regard to suicide prevention.
Suicide is not an impulsive act among older people but rather a thought-out reasoning culminating from many factors. Therefore, you have a large window of opportunity to help. The following information is from HealthyPlace.com, a consumer mental health website.
1. Life Events are Risk Factors
- Death of a loved one or divorce from a spouse
- Physical illness
- Uncontrollable pain
- Fear of a prolonged death, causing family members emotional and economic hardship
- Social isolation/loneliness
- Major change in social roles, such as retirement
2. Common Clues to Take Seriously
Look for groups of the following signs. One sign alone is not indicative of a suicidal person.
- Signs of depression:
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Unexplained fatigue or apathy
- Trouble concentrating or being indecisive
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Inability to feel good about themselves or unable to express joy
- Behavior changes or are just "not themselves"
- Withdrawal from family, friends or social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, etc.
- Loss of interest in personal appearance
- Talks about or seem preoccupied with death
- Gives away prized possessions
- Takes unnecessary risks
- Has had a recent loss or expects one
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs or other medications
- Fails to take prescribed medicines or follow required diets
- Acquires a weapon
If the older adult is talking about suicide, take immediate action. Don't be shy about asking outright if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal or commit suicide. If they are thinking about it, do not act shocked.
3. Actions that May Save a Life
- Show interest and support.
- Never taunt or dare the person to do it. Believe it or not, this is a common tactic among those who mean well. However, it could have fatal results.
- Be nonjudgmental. This is not the time to debate ethics or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Don't keep it a secret. Get help by calling a crisis prevention center and the person's friends, family and doctor.
- Offer hope by saying alternatives are available.
- Take action and remove any easy method they might use to commit suicide. Seek help immediately. The National Hopeline offers an online referral service that will locate help in your area simply by typing in a Zipcode, area code, city, state and country.
4. Who Can Help?
- Community mental health agency
- Private therapist
- Family doctor
- Psychiatrist
- ER
- Suicide crisis centers
Suicide is preventable. The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) emphasizes depression's role in suicidal older adults. Depression is a widely under-recognized and undertreated medical illness. It is not a normal part of aging, but risk of depression in the elderly increases with other illnesses, limited ability to function and financial hardships. Treatment for depression has a high success rate.
5. Calling for Help
- National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE, operates 24/7
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK, operates 24/7
Related Info:
National Suicide Prevention Week/World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10
Comments
Sorry to disillusion you, but after watching my husband die from cancer, my grandmother die from altzheimers and my dad slowly deteriorate due to old-age related health problems, I've decided that I will take myself out at around age 80. Why should I go through that and put my family through that?
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