Adult+Suicide

__**MIDLIFE SUICIDE:**__ During the middle years of life, suicide or attempt can occur in response to a something a person views as overwhelming. These include serious physical illness, unemployment, dissatisfaction at work or financial problems. Dependence on alcohol and drugs is often the result of most people as a way of coping with their feelings or situations.  Research shows many people between the ages of 35 and 50 are known to go through mid life crisis, which is an emotional condition that has a lot to do with the fear or dislike of aging. A mid life crisis may be triggered by certain conditions such as an unhappy marriage, emotional trauma or guilty feelings, death of a loved one or simply that they are getting older. Perhaps the realization that their lives are half over at this point and they should have achieved more may lead to anxiety and depression. Suicidal behaviours are linked to mental and emotional conditions such as depression and 90% of all suicides are related to mood disorders or other psychiatric illnesses.

Social isolation is also named as a cause for suicide especially with technology, long work hours, the amount of time commuting or in traffic decreasing social contact. One quarter of Americans claim to have no social support at all, that is no one they can really confide in. Social isolation is a huge risk factor to depression and mental illness. It also increases vulnerability to various forms of addiction. There are many support systems for teenagers and for the elderly but not many for the middle aged which is where the bulk of the burden from suicide lies.

__**SUICIDE IN OLDER ADULTS**:__

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The elderly who attempt to commit suicide don’t only do so at a greater rate than any other age group in society, but are more likely to die from the attempt than any other age group. There are many reasons which make them determined to end their lives such as failing physical and mental health, anxiety, stressful life events and for some, the inability to adjust to an advanced, fast paced lifestyle. Interpersonal relations are also a major reason for depression in older adults. A sense of worthlessness manifests, because they feel more of a burden than a contributing member of a family or society and end up in nursing homes where they feel rejected, isolated and often neglected. All of these issues lead to severe depression, which eventually drives the elderly to suicide. However, some may believe that they have led a fruitful and full life and they consider suicide, because they do not want to continue living in physical and psychological pain. Family interaction, community support and physical activity are present for those older adults who say they have not and will not attempt suicide. ﻿__**GENDER:**__ Women seek help. They share their experiences with friends, family and more likely to talk about their problems with doctors whereas men don’t reach out as much. Studies of suicide consistently show that men of all ages are at higher risk for suicide than women. This is also true for men of all races. They are at least 3 times more likely that women to attempt or end their lives and this ratio increases as people age. Also, suicide rates have increased significantly for both young and older men over the past 25 years. Women tend to be more emotional and will consider not just her own feelings but also the feelings of others like her family and children and how those people will be affected by a decision like suicide. A man is less likely to take these things into account and when he makes decisions about himself doesn't feel the need to share it with anyone else.  __**Symptoms**__: 
 * Giving away belongings, taking about going away or the need to "get one's affairs in order"
 * Difficulty in concentrating or thinking clearly
 * Sudden change in behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
 * Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
 * Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting
 * Sudden difficulty in school or work performance
 * Talking about death or suicide, stating the desire to harm themselves or suicide note
 * Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty or dont believe anything can help them
 * Unusual changes in sleep or eating habits
 * Withdrawal from friends or an unwillingness to go out anywhere

For more information on suicide prevention, or trying to help a loved one, visit [|www.save.org] ﻿ For information on services within Simcoe County, visit: Canadian Mental Health Association 39 High Street Barrie, ON, L4N 1W2 www.cmhasim.on.ca