September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. When suicide stats are often circulated, not much is made of the rates amongst the elderly. It’s almost as if it’s even more taboo.
Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 50. Even though the rate declines between 44-64, it begins to rise again there after. In recent times, much work has been done to de-stigmatise mental health issues, something which has benefited the younger generation but not so much the older generation who are largely a forgotten demographic . A huge concern, as the effects of the pandemic have made things worse mental health wise and the associated risks even more severe.
Amongst the most potent risk factors for suicide in the elderly are depression, disease/disability, disconnectedness, and deadly means. They are more likely to be careful in their planning, less likely to be discovered in time to be saved or too frail to be saved. Totally heartbreaking when one thinks of it.
In a society that is so fast-paced, a culture where reliance on the family unit for care in old age is dwindling and the care system is broken, there is an urgent need for suicide prevention awareness work to carefully consider the elderly.
The theme for this year is “Creating Hope through Action“ even if that action is as simple as reaching out to a colleague, friend or loved one who is struggling or encouraging them to get the help they need.
I’d love to hear what other actions we can take to create hope this month and beyond. Please let me know in the comments!