Suicide Rates Rising among Seniors: Awareness and Prevention

Suicide Rates Rising among Seniors:

Raising Awareness and Preventing Suffering

Older men most vulnerable.

No matter where we are on life's journey, death is an enormous fear and for many a tempting solution to physical and/or emotional pain.  Being in the hospice and palliative care business, I have come to see how important it is to help people make good decisions around dying and death.  Both for the individual and for family and friends, suicide is not a good answer. 

In our society where talk about death is such a taboo, bringing awareness to those who suffer with thoughts of suicide is important.  For many reasons, seniors can be a higher risk.  Often seniors are alone and isolated.  Whether at home or in a facility, most seniors suffer with various degrees of  physical pain and are no longer engaged in work or hobbies. 

Some Facts:

• Seniors make up 13% of the population but 18% of all suicide deaths
• Caucasian men over 85 have the highest rate
• Over 85 (59 per 100,000 persons)
• Seniors give few warnings before the attempt.

What Can Nurses and the Rest of Us Do to Help?

Ask questions:

1. Have you been feeling so sad lately that you were thinking about death or dying?
2. Have you had thoughts that life is not worth living?
3. Have you been thinking about harming yourself?
4. Is there a family history of mental illness or challenges?
5. Does the patient have a plan and lethal means available?
6. Ask family about the history of harm or suicide attempts or completions. 
7. Consider a "no-suicide" or "no harm" verber and/or written contract if there is a trusting relationship with the clinician.

Act to Protect the Patient and the Family

• Consider hospitalization for safety.
• Discuss safety plans in advance.
• Evaluate for depression or other mental health issues.
• Share awareness with other care providers. 
• Continue to educate yourself and ask for the support you need to deal with vulnerable people.