Mental Illnesses and Suicide
| In addition to learning the warning signs of suicide, it is also important to learn how to identify the symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. 90% of the people who die by suicide have an existing mental illness (such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder) or substance abuse problem at the time of their death. In addition, as many as 3 out of every 100 people over the age of 65 suffer from clinical depression and that the suicide rate is twice as high in this population compared to other age groups. |  |
Watch for standard symptoms of depression, as well as these symptoms common among the elderly suffering from depression:
- Complaints of aches and pains (back, stomach, arms, legs, head, chest), fatigue, slowed movements and speech, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, weight increase or decrease, blurred vision, dizziness, heart racing, anxiety.
- Inability to concentrate, remember or think straight (sometimes mistaken for dementia). An overall sadness or apathy, withdrawn; unable to find pleasure in anything.
- Irritability, mood swings or constant complaining; nothing seems to make the person happy.
- Talk of worthlessness, not being needed anymore, excessive and unwarranted guilt.
- Frequent doctor visits without relief in symptoms; all tests come out negative.
- Alcoholism can mask an underlying depression.
In addition to the standard warning signs of depression watch for the following behaviors in seniors:
- Talk about suicide, e.g. "I have nothing left to live for." "I won’t be a burden on my family much longer." "I should just kill myself." Statements of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.
- Preoccupation with death.
- Suddenly happier, calmer.
- Loss of interest in things one cares about.
- Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about – saying goodbyes.
- Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
- Giving things away.
- Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.
- Refusal to follow doctor-prescribed medications and/or special diet.