Elderly Depression and Suicide

Someone age 65 or over completes suicide every 90 minutes; an average of sixteen deaths a day. Elders account for 20% of all suicides; but they comprise only 12% of the population.


Suicide is society’s most preventable form of death.  No matter what a person’s age maybe, suicide affects others.  It is estimated that every suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.  Survivors of suicide have a significantly higher rate of suicide themselves. Law enforcement officers are often survivors of suicide.  Debrief with other officers following all completed suicide calls.

 

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About The Author:

Pamela Kulbarsh, RN, BSW has been a psychiatric nurse for over 25 years. She has worked with law enforcement in crisis intervention for the past ten years. She has worked in patrol with officers and deputies as a member of San Diego's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) and at the Pima County Detention Center in Tucson. Pam has been a frequent guest speaker related to psychiatric emergencies and has published articles in both law enforcement and nursing magazines.