Depression and Suicide Prevention: What to Do When a Loved One is Depressed

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The suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade last week left most people in shock. Two exceptionally creative talents, who shared their passions with the world and seemed to have it all, took their own lives. Their untimely deaths have prompted other celebrities to open up about their own struggles with depression, and some have mentioned they have also contemplated suicide.

Many people don’t realize that adults ages 65 and older have a higher rate of suicide than those younger than them, and those 85 and older have the highest rate of suicide among all adults. Causes of suicide among seniors include feelings of loneliness and isolation, poor health due to illness, loss of independence, financial worries, and taking medications with depressive side effects. Unfortunately, depression is not well detected in older adults, as it is often mistaken for a natural part of aging. To be clear: Depression is NOT a natural part of aging, and it should be taken seriously.

Do you have a loved one who seems more unhappy, anxious, irritable, or moody? Perhaps they are isolating themselves by not seeing friends and relatives as much, not getting enough sleep, and/or they have stopped doing things that once interested them. All these signs can indicate your senior loved one is experiencing depression.

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