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Elderly Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
Elderly
suicide is a very serious problem. Although the elderly (age 65 and
older) comprise about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for
over 18% of all suicides.
The most common cause for elderly suicide, as for all suicides, is
untreated depression. Thus, elderly depression needs to be
recognized and treated.
And about one third of the seniors who are 65 or older experience
depression. Some individuals erroneously believe that depression is
a normal part of being elderly, which is completely untrue.
Depression is not normal for people of any age. Elderly people with
depression have a chemical imbalance in their brain. And that
chemical imbalance is extremely common and highly treatable.
However, it is important that an elderly person who exhibits
symptoms of depression receives a thorough physical exam from a
medical doctor to determine if there is a physical basis for the
depression. Some physical conditions and the use of some medications
may cause symptoms of depression.
The following disease and physical problems may cause symptoms of
depression:
thyroid disorders
diabetes
Parkinson's disease
multiple sclerosis
strokes
tumors
some viral infections
 The
following medications may cause symptoms
of depression:
blood pressure medication
arthritis medication
hormones
steroids
Please review the suicide warning signs page on this website so you
will be familiar with symptoms of depression and suicide. If you or
someone you know has several of these symptoms, please get help
right away.
Please remember that close monitoring of any elderly person is
always required, especially after any stressful life event such as
the loss of a spouse.
Also, many elderly people will hide their depression because they do
not want to be seen as weak, crazy, or suffering from dementia. So
it is critical to watch closely for any hint of a suicide warning
sign or depression symptom. And always keep the lines of
communication open.
If you are an elderly person and need help, please reach out. Talk
with family members. Call a friend. Get into therapy. Take action to
help yourself.
http://www.suicide.org/elderly-suicide.html
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