“What are you most concerned about today?” This is a simple question, but it is powerful—especially for older people with chronic pain or terminal illness.
Long-term health challenges, pains and terminal illnesses can severely affect a person’s daily life, their ability to take care of themselves, and their overall well-being. The resulting social isolation, loss of independence, and potential tension with family and friends can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health.
As a doctor with triple certification in the fields of hospice and palliative care medicine, family practice, and geriatrics, I have seen patients and their families deal with some of the most challenging and heartbreaking feelings of fear, despair and disappointment.
Unfortunately, these people have a higher risk of suicide. They deserve special attention, our support and hope. The National Suicide Prevention Month, held in September, is a relevant time to raise awareness of the risk of suicide among the elderly, their caregivers and health care workers who support them.
Statistics are worrying and should motivate us all to remain vigilant.Suicide is Tenth leading cause of death In the United States, this can be prevented. In 2019, 47,511 Americans took their lives. National Institute of Mental Health. This is more than twice the number of homicides.
Compared with young people, elderly people—especially those with mental illness or uncontrollable pain—have a higher suicide rate, with men 65 and older having the highest suicide rate.Frequent suicidal thoughts Nearly half Of advanced cancer patients expressed that 8% expressed a persistent and universal desire for premature death.
After the loss of a loved one, the family member who lost the loved one may face a higher risk of suicide. Nurses and medical staff who experience high stress and burnout are also at higher risk.
The goal of hospice care is to provide quality care for terminally ill patients, improve comfort, safety and quality of life. It also includes bereavement support for family members more than a year after the death of a loved one. It is important for our colleagues to understand the risk factors and identify suicide warning signs for patients and family members.
Those of us in the healthcare community only need to use our work to identify suicide risk and intervene appropriately before tragic consequences occur. Here is an overview of how we can help:
Stay vigilant. Recognizing warning signs, including staying away from family and friends, talking about feeling desperate, wanting to die or feeling like a burden on others, or planning to self-harm. Understand the increased risk factors, including mental health problems, lack of adequate social support, life-changing diseases or events, intolerable pain or terminal illness or diagnosis.
Talk about it. If you observe warning signs, please speak up. Not only can conversation help us establish more connections with others, but it can also be a critical first step in getting the help we need. Consider exploratory questions, such as:
- “how do you feel?”
- “Do you feel so sad that you want to hurt yourself?”
- “Have you ever thought of suicide?”
- “Do you have any plans to end your life? What do you plan to do and when?” Specifically, you can ask if there is a gun at home, they have collected pills, they have given property or written a suicide note.
Take action. If someone has a plan to end their lives, please don’t leave them alone. Keep them safe until they get the help they need or raise your concerns to emergency services to ensure their safety and well-being.
As a healthcare provider, we have a unique opportunity Be the first Help save the lives of patients or family members. Crucially, we must also learn to recognize and respond to these signs of our own.
So, I ask you, “How do you you Do you feel it? “
Always take signs or talk about suicide seriously. If you need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. #BeThe1To
Photo: Franky DeMeyer, Getty Images
