Suicide is an unfortunate part of many older adults’ experiences. There are many reasons for this, but central to most are feelings of isolation, depression, chronic pain, or a feeling that we are a burden on others. Older adults are at an increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family and friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss. Social isolation is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Additionally, older adults who are immigrants and/or who identify as LGBTQ+ experience social isolation more than other groups. Age-friendly communities are designed to mitigate social isolation and play an enormous role in the intervention of depression and suicide. Knowing resources for intervention is crucial. With that in mind, the following section provides some key information, supporting data, and helpful resources.
- While older adults comprise just 16.8% of the population, they make up approximately 22% of suicides.3, 2
- In 2022, among the nearly 49,449 suicides that took place in the U.S., 10,433 were attributed to people age 65 and up.2
- Older adults tend to plan suicide more carefully. Men in particular are also more likely to use more lethal methods such as firearms, poisoning, or suffocation.,5
- Among people who attempt suicide, one in four older adults will succeed, compared to 1 in 200 youths.6 Even if an older adults fails a suicide attempt, they are less likely to recover from the effects due to frailty or underlying health conditions.
- (https://www.ncoa.org/article/suicide-and-older-adults-what-you-should-know/ ) “Suicide is more than a preventable tragedy—it’s a growing public health crisis. According to provisional statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. suicide rate reached a historic high in 2022.1 And, while nearly every age group experienced an increase, older Americans fared the worst. Compared to 2021, suicide deaths rose 8.1% among people age 65 and over.2 “
Prevention
There are many complex reasons why a person would consider ending their life. Fortunately, there are many resources available to provide support, including some in Durham. The first step in prevention is recognizingthe signs that signify a desire for suicide. This following list of signs is provided from the National Council on Aging:
- Giving away beloved items or changing their will
- Sudden interest or disinterest in religion.
- Unexplained irritability or anger.
- Rapid change in mood from angry/irritable to content
- Avoiding social activities
- Neglecting self-care, medical regimens, and grooming
- Exhibiting a preoccupation with death
- Lacking concern for personal safety
Over 70% of older adults who die by suicide saw their primary care provider within 30 days of their death. Doctors can play a crucial role in suicide prevention by screening all patients for suicide risk.
Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, however doctors often miss symptoms in their older patients, making it all the more important to recognize the signs. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers these actions to help intervene in suicidality:
ASK: Be direct with your questions, like, “Are you thinking about suicide?” and “Can you tell me what’s going on?” Deep listening and unbiased responses are valuable. Without judgement, let the person know the reasons they should stay.
BE THERE: If possible, being there in person is best. Work with them to find other friends who will be supportive. Don’t make any promises you can’t keep.
KEEP THEM SAFE: Has the person done this before? Do they have a plan? Do they have access to a method of self-harm? Learning where they’re at can be helpful; the more thought-out the plan, the higher the risk.
HELP THEM CONNECT: If you or someone in your life is thinking about suicide, help them connect to resources. Support systems are essential: they need to know who’s on their team, and who to call, email, or get information from. Below are some great ways to help someone connect.
988 HELPLINE: Just dial 988, or text, or chat online at 988helpline.org
AskMeNC.org: for veterans old and new.
NC PEER WARMLINE: Talk with trained peers who have lived experience.
Phone: 1 855-733-7762 available 24/7
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a searchable, confidential directory of mental health providers across the U.S.
The Partnership for a Healthy Durham‘s Mental Health Committee has English and Spanish versions of a Mental Health guide – https://healthydurham.org/committees/substance-abuse-and-mental-health-committee.
Durham County offers Mental Health First Aid Courses. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course for adults teaches people how to:
- Recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults
- Provide initial help and guide people toward appropriate care
- Understand the impact of mental health problems and common treatments
- Build mental health literacy and feel more comfortable managing a crisis
- Decrease stigmatizing attitudes
For further information, there is a website (below) with a contact number: Call 919-560-7771 for more information.
Links supporting the article:
