Suicide Among the Elderly Around the Holidays Essay Example for Free

Suicide Among the Elderly Around the Holidays Essay Based on statistics, there is one elderly suicide committed every ninety minutes and this percentage relates to the age group of 65 years and above (National Mental Health Information Center). Suicide among the older people is growing rampantly. There are a number of reasons for committing suicide, and this ranges from depression to alcohol or substance abuse. This testimony becomes very helpful to not only Americans but to everyone in the world. Because of this testimonial, many are made aware of the truth or causes of why the elderly starts to think of taking their lives. Baby Boomer Care. (2007). â€Å"Why Do The Elderly Commit Suicide? † Retrieved June 5, 2010, http://www. babyboomercaretaker. com/senior-health/Why-do-the-Elderly-Commit-Suicide. html It has been accounted that statistically, there are more suicidal attempts and acts among the elderly than the teen and younger adults. Living in isolation, depression due to loss of a loved one, physical health, inability or difficulty to cope with crisis and stress are the usual causes and reasons our elderly perform suicidal attempts and actions. Having this information makes us wary and aware of the causes and reasons of such actions. â€Å"Elders who are at a high risk of suicide usually show certain behavioral and personality traits such as higher dependency, being overcome by an intense sense of helplessness and hopelessness, possess poor crisis management abilities, are extremely irritability, and demonstrate a certain degree of antisocial behavior (Baby Boomer Care). † Suicide Among the Elderly During the Holidays Lawson, W. (2003). â€Å"Holiday Suicide Myth. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, form http://www. psychologytoday. com/articles/200401/holiday-suicide-myth Although there have been many speculations and stories that most suicides happen during the holidays or winter season, this surmise is nothing but a hypothesis or a hunch and is considered as a myth. In fact, researchers and statistics express that suicidal acts and attempts of elders drops and declines during the holiday season. McIntosh, J. (2003). â€Å"Suicide and the Holidays: Myths and Facts† Retrieved June 5, 2010, form http://www. medicinenet. com/script/main/art. asp? articlekey=54647 Suicidal attempts are unlikely to happen during the winter season or Holidays. Old people take their lives on the basis of loneliness, stress of losing a love one, depression and isolation. During the holidays, people are surrounded by family, relatives and friends. This is a â€Å"season of giving. † And when we are surrounded and with friends and family, we are most able to socialize and express our feelings. In the case of the older people, ranging from 65 years and above, this is the time that they are unlikely to be left alone with their thoughts and memories of the past. Thus, suicide during the holidays a myth and an assumption. McIntosh, J. Phd (2008). â€Å"How to Help A Suicidal Older Men and Women. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, form http://www. healthyplace. com/depression/suicide/how-to-help-a-suicidal-older-men-and-women/menu-id-68/ â€Å"The causes of elderly suicide are treatable and suicide is preventable. Risk Factors for elderly suicide and how to help suicidal seniors (McIntosh, 2008). † Suicide among the elderly is a given fact and it is not a hypothetical topic to talk about, it really is happening at our present date. However, the reasons and causes of suicide may be treated and prevented. Old people who are suicidal usually experience pain, whether physical or emotional. They also may be feeling distressed and dissatisfied with their current life situations. There is a growing rate of 50 percent of suicidal actions from the older people. There is a way to help and prevent suicide from happening. If we look and pay much attention to the signs and symptoms we may be able to help these people from committing suicide. Nuys, D. V. PhD. (2009). â€Å"An Interview with Thomas Joiner, Ph. D. on Why People Commit Suicide. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, from http://www. mentalhelp. net/poc/view_doc. php? type=docid=29060 Suicide is a growing public health problem today. Suicide is one of the results and outcome of having mental disorders. Suicide is a common product of depression, stress and loneliness. Though this is a fact, this is controllable. Feeling and being depressed, stressed and lonely can always be managed. Having a positive mind and trying to be active in spite the old age will greatly help decrease the number of people committing suicide. Bibliography: Rosenberg, M. (1996). â€Å"Testimony on Suicide Among Older Americans. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, from http://www. hhs. gov/asl/testify/t960730a. html Baby Boomer Care. (2007). â€Å"Why Do The Elderly Commit Suicide? † Retrieved June 5, 2010,from http://www. babyboomercaretaker. com/senior-health/Why-do-the-Elderly-Commit-Suicide. html National Mental Health Information Center. (n. d. ) NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION Retrieved June 5, 2010, from http://mentalhealth. samhsa. gov/suicideprevention/elderly. asp Farberow N. L. (1961). â€Å"The Cry for Help. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, from http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=odocId=98403730 McIntosh, J. (2003). â€Å"Suicide and the Holidays: Myths and Facts† Retrieved June 5, 2010, form http://www. medicinenet. com/script/main/art. asp? articlekey=54647 McIntosh, J. Phd (2008). â€Å"How to Help A Suicidal Older Men and Women. † Retrieved June 5, 2010, form http://www. healthyplace. com/depression/suicide/how-to-help-a-suicidal-older-men-and-women/menu-id-68/