Preventing suicide among older adults

Adults over the age of 65 have some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. Older adults who attempt suicide are more likely to use lethal means and to die than younger people who attempt suicide. Men ages 85 and older are almost four times as likely to die by suicide as adolescent males ages 15 to 19. However, despite the statistics, professionals and individuals across communities can take steps to bring help and hope to this population.

Understanding Risk

Prevention efforts focus on reducing the factors that contribute to suicide among older adults and strengthening the factors that protect against it.

Risk Factors

Depression and other mental health issues

Substance abuse

Physical illness, disability, or pain Social isolation

Protective Factors

Access to care for mental and physical health conditions

Social connectedness

Skills in coping and adapting to change Who can help

Individuals who work in any of the following settings can play an important role in preventing suicide among older adults:

Primary care

Behavioral health

Faith communities

Senior centers and senior living communities

Springwoods Behavioral Health, located at 1955 W. Truckers Drive in Fayetteville, is an 80 bed behavioral health facility which provides comprehensive care for geriatrics, as well as adolescents and adults. Inpatient services are offered for senior adults at Springwoods Behavioral Health. Mental illness affects older adults just as it does other age groups. But with seniors it is often ignored or overlooked as a normal’ part of the aging process. ife challenges such as decreased physical and mental capabilities, the inability to live independently or the loss of a lifetime companion are problems sometimes too severe for an older adult to manage on their own.

The family may be the rst to notice changes in his/her behavior. Warning signs that could indicate the need for treatment include: anxiety/agitation, confusion/disorientation, depression, fear/ paranoia, uctuations in weight, hallucinations/delusions, increase in alcohol or medication use, loss of interest in appearance, memory loss, mood swings, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, and wandering. Although older adults may frequently experience these behaviors, in many cases the true cause may be psycho-physiologic and, therefore, very treatable.

If you suspect these issues have become dif cult to manage, schedule an assessment with a mental health professional. Quali ed assessment and referral staff at Springwoods Behavioral Health perform assessments 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at no charge. Each assessment is evaluated by a physician who recommends the appropriate level of care for treatment. Recommendations are then discussed with the patient/family to assist in making an informed decision about treatment.

Think you might know someone at risk Call the National Suicide Prevention ifeline for help at 1-800-273-TA K (8255).