Seniors and Suicide Grief is a Factor
WAMU American University Radio posted this article "Isolated and Struggling, Many Seniors Turning to Suicide". Nothing new here it has been know for some time, seniors are a forgotten generation particularly when it comes to mental health.
In 2017 there were 47,000 suicides. According to the CDC greater than 8,500 (18%) were 65 and older. Men who are 65 and older face the highest risk. At 85 and older regardless of gender they are the second most likely group to die from suicide.
Another statistic, one out of four seniors attempting suicide dies while one out of 200 young adults attempting suicide succeeds. Unclear why but it is thought with seniors being isolated rescue is more difficult and seniors may be for deliberate in their planning. With age comes wisdom I guess.
There are a number of reasons for this statistic, loneliness, isolation, chronic illness, transition, and bereavement. Loss of a loved one is disproportionately linked to older adults which triggers major depression and complicated grief.
What to watch for? Stockpiling meds, suddenly revising a Will, heavy drug or alcohol use. Statements of hopelessness and withdrawing.
In the end we all grief differently and anyone one in throws of grief needs support. Seniors need a bit more attention and care.
Grieving While Interneting
From the Guardian "Grieving in he internet age: would posting photos of my dead friend look performative?" This is by Katie Cunningham.
Cunningham describes her desire to post a photo of a friend who died in 2012. She realized this year that most of the memorial events each year were fading. Add to that being unsure of how to remember the dead online. This is a pretty telling quote
Was it disingenuous to shitpost on Twitter all week then pretend that day in April was anything but swamped in sadness? If everything we do is online, is the omission tantamount to forgetting him?
Read it and see what you think.
Love, Loss, and Outcome
This is from a Blog Living. Good. Grief. Jen has a post from July 3, 2019 "What you gain when you loose a spouse." Before any longer I am not sure if this link came from my news reader or it is from someone I am following on Hot Young Widows Club. If it's the later I am sorry Jen
Here is a partial list of what you gain when loosing a spouse. They are pretty spot on. responsibility, built, exhaustion, loneliness, and triggers. Here are some positives she shared Love (so true read why), appreciation, spidey senses, hurt, and compassion (pro or con on that)
This is an excellent read so go read.
Five Support Tools to Aid Someone Grieving
From Eve Digital "How to support a grieving person" By Luthya Wanjiru. I know the majority of my readers her know this cold and have come face to face with the epic fails of some who were clueless on how to support them in their grief.
I would recommend 1. Read the article and see how many of the five support techniques helped you in your grieving. 2. Share this far and wide so those who have friends family colleagues in grief have a hint on what to do.
All in the list is good. I'd say #4 Don't disappear after the funeral is excellent
The bereaved person may look fine on the outside, while they are suffering on the inside. Avoid saying things like “You are so strong” or “You look so well.” This puts excess pressure on the person to keep up appearances and to hide their true feelings.