Suicide Amongst the Elderly
Content Note:
This post discusses suicide, suicide loss, suicidal thoughts, grief, mental health, emotional pain, or crisis support. Please read with care. If this topic feels activating, it is okay to pause, step away, or reach out for support.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. This blog is not monitored for crisis support.
Suicide Among older adults is a severe problem. Although older adults (age 65 and older) comprise about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for over 18% of all suicides.
The most common cause of older adult suicide, as for all suicides, is untreated depression. Thus, older adults depression needs to be recognized and treated. And about one-third of the seniors who are 65 or older experience depression.
Depression
Some believe that depression is a normal part of being an older adult, which is entirely untrue. Depression is not normal for people of any age. Older adults with depression have a chemical imbalance in their brains. And that chemical imbalance is prevalent and highly treatable.
However, older adults who exhibits symptoms of depression must receive a thorough physical exam from a medical doctor to determine if there is a biological basis for the depression. Some physical conditions and the use of some medications may cause symptoms of depression.
The following disease and physical problems may cause symptoms of depression:
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- thyroid disorders
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- diabetes
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- Parkinson’s disease
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- multiple sclerosis
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- strokes
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- tumors
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- some viral infections
The following medications may cause symptoms of depression:
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- blood pressure medication
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- arthritis medication
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- hormones
- steriods
Kevin Caruso has so many resources and helps on his website. My Lady struggled so badly after her first round of TIA’s and her stroke. When her keys were taken away, it was devastating to her. I remember that she found them and drove to my house. I was homeschooling my kids, and she came honking in my driveway. She said she was fine and wanted to prove that she could do it. Well, drive she did, she came to me and then went home. Luckily, we didn’t live far apart.
Depression Set In
Her depression set in because she knew that that part of her life was over. Her Jerome had gone to be with Jesus, and now she couldn’t drive. My heart sank. I spent every day with her because I loved her, and I couldn’t stand to see that sadness.
Please, check on your older adult neighbors. Take food, offer to run an errand, sit and glean from their wisdom. It is so worth it. My life is better because she was in it. I adored her. She stays a part of me every day. My dad went through this, as well. I can see where they feel like a burden to other people. Remind them that they are not a burden and loved beyond measure.
Statistics
According to the AAFMT Website, “In 2002, the annual suicide rate for persons over the age of 65 was over 15 per 100,000 individuals; this number increases for those aged 75 to 84, with over 17 suicide deaths per every 100,000. The number rises even higher for those over age 85. Further, elder suicide may be under-reported by 40% or more.”
Crisis Support Disclaimer:
This post is shared for awareness, education, encouragement, and stigma reduction. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship with Barefoot Faith Journey or Circle of Hope Counseling Services.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. You are worthy of immediate care and support.
Resources
If you or someone you know is being abused, PLEASE reach out.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Resources that Can Help with Suicide Prevention
