It’s a subject that is never talked about around the kitchen table here or even in your doctors office for that matter.
Suicide and seniors.
However as baby boomers enter their senior years and retire to this region, there is growing concern the so called golden years will be marred by an increased risk for suicide.
That is focus of research being conducted by University of Western Ontario Psychiatry Professor Marnin Heisel who says that almost twice as many seniors die from suicide every year than teenagers.
Heisel says that there are any number of reasons for the increased risk of suicide among seniors, including declining health, loss of a spouse, social isolation or feeling of not being wanted.
He says even as the population is aging, the medical community is simply not prepared to deal with this health care issue.
For the children of older adults, Heisel has some advice on what they should be watching out for that may indicate a senior is contemplating suicide.
He says depression often the first sign that things may not be quite right, or if a person talks a lot of having no purpose or even talking about ending their life are clear signs that these people do need some help.
Heisel says if a friend or relative is exhibiting any of these signs, take them to the family doctor who then will give them a proper assessment and refer them to mental health experts for treatment.
He also says his research group has put together a guide book for families so they can understand suicide and some of the things to look for in an older individual.
It is available at www.ccsmh.ca