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Self-help
Tips for the Elderly |
Suicide
Prevention
According
to a local study published in 1997, a sharp increase in suicide rate was
found among the group aged 75 or over. Males aged 75 or above (especially
those who are never married), suffering from chronic illnesses and/ or
mental illnesses like depression are some of the risk factors for elderly
suicide. As most suicide is closely related depression, prevention of
suicide is by early detection and treatment of depression.
Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
A. Emotional:
- Sad/
depressed mood
- Loss
of interest in ordinary activities or hobbies
- Negative/
pessimistic thinking
- Feelings
of helplessness, hopelessness, guilt
- Nervousness,
irritability, anxiety
B. Physical:
- Fatigue/
loss of energy
- Significant
change in appetite
- Significant
weight gain or loss
- Sleep
disturbances
- Reduced
sex drive
- Vague
somatic complaints without medical cause (e.g. headache, stomach ache,
chronic ache and pain)
C. Cognitive:
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty
in concentrating
- Diminished
ability to think
- Loss
of self-esteem
- Indecisiveness
- Inappropriate
self-blame and guilt
- Suicidal
thought
D. Behavioral:
- Withdrawal
from social activities
- Psychomotor
agitation and/ or retardation
- Untidy
or disheveled physical appearance
- Low in
energy, inability to enjoy life
- Fail
to fulfill own duties
*If
there is suspicion of depression, seek medical advice right away.
Studies show
that about 70% of those who comitted suicide showed some signal. They
may indicate their suicidal intent to their family, carers, health professional
or social worker directly or indirectly. Under such circumstance, immediate
help should be provided with active listening to understand the reason
for suicidal thought, to give support and encouragement and to seek professional
help as appropriate. As regards the elderly themselves, they should share
worries with family, friends or people who are trusted. Avoid being alone
and participate in social activities (e.g. morning exercises, activities
in social centers for the elderly)
If there
is suicidal ideas, seek help from 24-hour counseling hotline e.g. Samaritan
Hotline: 2389 2221 or medical professionals.
Related topics
Mental
Health
Stress
in the Elderly
Depression
Reference
:
Resource
Book on Psychosocial Health Promotion in the Elderly (Traditional
Chinese Only)
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