Q. Who is most likely to commit suicide?
A. The following figures are from the National Center for Health Statistics for the year 2007. The rates are per 100,000 population.
White men are at the highest risk of suicide, especially those over the age of 85; they had a rate of 49.8 suicide deaths per 100,000 persons. Women and teens report more suicide attempts. Suicide is the 11th most common cause of death in the United States.
Depression is a condition usually associated with suicide in older adults. There are a lot of problems to face as you get older. There are losses of all kinds that can get you down. And feeling blue for a while is a normal part of living at any age.
But, unrelenting depression is not normal. If you feel this way, you should seek medical attention. Most people get better if they treat their depression.
If you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts, you can call this toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a service available to anyone. All calls are confidential.
There are many causes of depression. Some of them are the natural consequences of being older: a health crisis or death, the loss of physical or mental capacities, or being a stressed-out caregiver.
Seniors usually rebound from a period of sadness. However, if you are suffering from “clinical depression” and don’t get help, your symptoms might last months, or even years.
The following are common signs of depression. If you have several of these, and they last for more than two weeks, get treatment: anxiety, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure, sleep problems, eating too much or too little, abnormal crying, aches that can’t be treated successfully, diminished concentration or memory, irritability, thoughts of death or suicide, and feelings of despair, guilt and being worthless.
Depression is a serious illness. It can lead to suicide. Don’t waste time; find help.
Start with your family doctor. The doctor should check to see if your depression could be caused by a health problem (such as hypothyroidism or vitamin B12 deficiency) or a medicine you are taking.
After a complete exam, your doctor may suggest you talk to a social worker, mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Doctors specially trained to treat depression in older people are called “geriatric psychiatrists.”
Support groups can provide new coping skills or social support if you are dealing with a major life change. A doctor might suggest that you go to a local senior center, volunteer service, or nutrition program. Several kinds of talk therapies work well.
Antidepressant drugs can help. These medications can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option. It may be recommended when medicines can’t be tolerated or when a quick response is needed.
[More about suicide in our next column.]
If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com.
Cicetti is a health care writer with more than 40 years of journalistic experience.
