Senior Life Solutions
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month; however, tragically, too many of us are aware of the impact suicide has on the lives of the survivors, friends and family members left behind by someone who takes their own life.
According to the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention, the rate of suicide is rising in almost every state across the U.S. In our small communities, it is often well known when one of our own make the choice to end their life. The impact is devastating not only to the persons family and friends, but to the community as a whole. Oftentimes, those left behind suffer from grief and guilt wondering if an intervention could have saved a life.
Becoming aware of the risks and warning signs of suicide is something we all can do to come together in effort to decrease the number of suicides in our community. According to the CDC there were nearly 45,000 successful suicides in the United States in 2016. Many times we may assume that someone who has taken their own life has a history of mental illness. Fifty-four percent of those who commit suicide have no known mental health diagnosis at the time of death.
Many factors play a part in ones decision to take their life, but most often there has been a disruption in their daily life such as employment or financial problems, relationship problems, substance abuse, and other factors that may have interrupted ones regular routines. Oftentimes, those who are at risk for suicide exhibit warning signs in their behavior, including feeling like a burden, isolating themselves, increased substance use, mood swings, looking for a way to access lethal means, talk of suicide, and preparing to give away possessions they would not typically get rid of.
There is no one demographic that is exempt from the threat of suicide. Suicide does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, age, gender, or race. We often think of younger adults as more at risk for suicide than others; however, individuals 65 and older make up 13 percent of the population but account for 20 percent of all suicides (mentalhealthamerica.net). It is important to understand that this age group in particular is facing challenges and changes they have never faced before and many times at a very rapid rate.
IF YOU are struggling with mental wellness or know someone who is, do not wait to reach out and do not assume that someone else has already done so. It is important we let our friends and loved ones know we care. Ask about suicide directly if you feel it is a threat or tell someone immediately if you are having your own thoughts. There are local resources available to help in addition to your own social supports. The national suicide hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-273-Talk or suicidepreventionlifeline.org .
Allen County Regional Hospital Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging.
For more information, call the Senior Life Solutions staff at 620-365-1280.
