Suicide in the Elderly

Author

Park Royal Behavioral Services

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Park Royal Behavioral Health Services

Posted on

Aug 09, 2021

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

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Written By :Jessica Bennett, Business Development Representative at Park Royal Hospital, CLICK HERE for more information.


Suicide is a troubling public health issue that leaves a lasting impact on families and communities. Between 1999 and 2019, the suicide death rate increased 33%. There were more than 47,500 deaths by suicide in 2019, making it the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, that same year, 12 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
Deaths by suicide among older adults are underreported. Older adults may exhibit passive self-harm behaviors that may result in death, such as refusing food, medications, or liquids, which are rarely recorded as suicide attempts or deaths by suicide. Recorded suicide attempts among older adults are usually more lethal than those among younger age groups Risk factors for suicide among older adults include mental illness, depression, previous suicide attempts, substance use problems, chronic pain, physical illness, declining function, disability, family discord or loss, family history of suicide and social isolation .Dementia and other forms of impaired cognitive ability have also been linked with suicidal behavior in older adults.

With COVID-19 Delta variant numbers increasing, your residents/patients may start to feel afraid, hopeless, and despair. Please keep your eyes out for the following symptoms and know that we have continued to require a negative COVID test for admission and continued our protocol in order to keep our patients safe.

Warning Signs of Depression:

Loss of interest in things or activities that are usually found enjoyable
Cutting back social interaction, self-care, and grooming
Isolation
Breaking medical regimens (such as going off diets, prescriptions)
Experiencing or expecting a significant personal loss (spouse or other)
Feeling hopeless and/or worthless
Putting affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes in wills
Stock-piling medication or obtaining other lethal means
Other clues are a preoccupation with death or a lack of concern about personal safety. Remarks such as "This is the last time that you'll see me" or "I won't be needing anymore appointments" should raise concern.
The most significant indicator is an expression of suicidal intent.

At Park Royal Hospital we take Mental Health Awareness very seriously. Please reach out if you suspect a patient or resident is a danger to themselves or others.

Sign up for Suicide in the Elderlywww.parkroyalhospital.com/events



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