Suicide prevention: Know the sometimes subtle warning signs

SENIOR RESOURCE COLUMN

by Robann Arshat

member resources liaison

Leisure World is a community of friends, and friends help friends.

Every day, friends and family struggle with emotional pain, and for some people, this pain is overwhelming and may lead to thoughts of suicide and the need for help.

Warning signs can be subtle, but knowing what to look for, how to start a conversation and where to get help can save a life.

According to the California Department of Public Health on Older adult Suicide, there were 4,439 confirmed suicide deaths in 2019 in California; 927 were among older adults. That’s 21% for a rate of 15.3 deaths per 100,000 Californians 65 years and older.

Eighty-two percent were males; 44% of which were veterans. For more detailed information, visit https://www.cdph. ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/ DCDIC/SACB/CDPH Document Library/Suicide Prevention Program/OlderAdultSuicideCADataBrief_ 2019.pdf. Pain Isn’t Always Obvious

There can be many factors— financial stress, loss of friends or family, disability and illness— that can lead an aging adult to contemplate suicide. Asking for help can be difficult no matter what the situation.

Know the Signs

Conversation, action or even social media posts can reveal warning signs. The most critical warning signs are:

• Talking about wanting to die or about suicide, or a preoccupied with death.

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

• Looking for ways to kill oneself, even if the person is joking about it.

• Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.

• Cutting back on self-care and grooming.

• Changes in sleep.

• Withdrawal and isolating from activities that use to be enjoyed.

• Neglectingdoctor’sorders.

• Medical conditions that significantly limit functioning or life expectancy.

• Feeling loss of independence or sense of purpose.

• Giving things away, getting affairs in order, making changes to a will.

• Saying goodbye.

• Obtaining lethal means such as firearms or stockpiling medication.

• Impulsivity due to cognitive impairment.

• Increased use of alcohol or other substances.

Find the Words

Starting a conversation about suicide is difficult, but it can be an important component to prevent loss of life.

Listen to you intuition and if you are feeling something is wrong.

Start the conversation

• Ask a direct question: “Are you thinking about suicide?”

• Be prepared if they answer “Yes.” Stay calm and have a list of crisis resources on hand and don’t leave the person alone.

• Make sure you have time to spend and are not rushed. Plan for a lengthy conversation.

• Mention the signs that prompted you to ask and make it clear that you are not asking out of the blue.

• Asking about suicide won’t put the idea in a person’s head; on the contrary, he or she may have some relief when they know you are willing to talk about it with them.

Listen, express concern and reassure.

• Listen to the reasons and validate them while underscoring that living is an option.

• Let the person know you take their situation seriously and are genuinely concerned and care about them.

Get Help

• Provide the person with resources you came prepared with.

• Reach out: Call or text 988 or 988lifeline.org.

• If you feel the situation is critical, take the person to emergency or call 911.

988 Crisis Hotline

Your call will be answered by a trained counselor. Services are free, confidential and available 24/7. To learn more, visit:

• www.suicideispreventable. org

• www.988lifeline.org

• www.988helpline.org People can always visit the brochure display in Building 5 for more information.