Elderly Suicide Prevention
ABOUT SENIOR SUICIDE
Anyone at any age can be at risk of suicide, but older Americans are especially vulnerable. Older adults experience the highest suicide rates in the nation.
Research shows that older adults who attempt suicide are much more likely to die by suicide, leaving limited opportunities to save a life once suicidal behavior begins. Ongoing thoughts of depression and hopelessness should not be considered a normal part of aging. Rather these feelings of despair can be addressed and treated.
DID YOU KNOW??
- Individuals 75 years and older have the highest suicide rate?
- Approximately 90% of older adults who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health and/or substance abuse disorder?
- In 2005, more than 7,000 Americans aged 60 and older died by suicide?
- Older adults make up 12% of the population, yet account for 17% of suicides?
FACTS & FIGURES
- Every day, nearly 15 adults 65 years and older die by suicide in America
- Older males die from suicide at a rate more than seven times that of older females
- Among older adults, white individuals are almost three times as likely as non-whites to die from suicide
RISK FACTORS FOR SENIOR SUICIDE
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Debilitating physical health problems
- Social dependency or isolation
- Family discord, losses
- Access to firearms
PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR SENIOR SUICIDE
- Effective clinical care for mental and physical health and substance abuse
- Restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide
- Strong connections to family and community support
- Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
- Observable signs of serious depression:
Unrelenting low mood
Pessimism
Hopelessness
Desperation
Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension
Withdrawal
Sleep problems - Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
- Making a plan:
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
RESOURCES
- Call 800-273-TALK (8285) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Crisis Intervention Service (24 hours):
New Castle County: (302) 577-2484
Kent/Sussex County: (800) 652-2929 - Elder Info: Health insurance information, counseling and assistance (800) 336-9500
- LaRed Health Center: Information and Referral (302) 855-1233
- Talk to your primary care physician
- Contact the Mental Health Association in Delaware for brochures relating to:
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Bipolar Disorder
Smoking & Depression
Other related brochures
If you are experiencing a crisis, please call Crisis Intervention:
New Castle - (302) 577-2484 - Kent/Sussex - (800) 345-6785
or go the nearest hospital or emergency center, or call 911.
New Castle - (302) 577-2484 - Kent/Sussex - (800) 345-6785
or go the nearest hospital or emergency center, or call 911.