Too Old to Commit Suicide? Community Suicide Prevention Programs

Transcription

1 Too Old to Commit Suicide? Community Suicide Prevention Programs Objectives: Bianca McDermott, LPC Director of Behavioral Health Services Area Agency on Aging Viviana Gormaz, Med Prevention Specialist and Community Trainer Tiempo de Oro Program, Valle del Sol, Inc. Edith Twitchell, MC Prevention Specialist and Community Trainer Tiempo de Oro Program, Valle del Sol, Inc. Review suicide prevalence rates in Arizona Describe unique risk factors pertaining to this population Explain local community resources available Compare traditional and Tiempo de Oro models Understand Tiempo de Oro implementations Identify principles and practices of culturally adaptive programs such as Tiempo de Oro DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT Bianca McDermott, LPC, Viviana Gormaz, MED and Edith Twitchell, MC, do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with manufacturer(s) of commercial product(s) and /or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in this presentation 2008 All Rights Reserved 25

2 1 SENIORS AND SUICIDE Bianca McDermott, L.P.C. Area Agency on Aging, Region One Phoenix, Arizona 2 The Fallacy of Good Reasons 3 Death by Suicide: The Numbers for Everyone US Rate 11 per 100,000 deaths Mountain Region 16.9 per 100,000 deaths Arizona 15.9 per 100,000 deaths All data is from 2005, gathered from All Rights Reserved 26

3 4 Death by Suicide: The Numbers for Seniors US Rate 14.7 per 100,000 deaths Arizona Rate 21.8 per 100,000 deaths Arizona had 159 deaths by suicide in 2004; that is three deaths a week! Numbers for those over 65 with intentional self injury. Did we miss anyone? 5 Death by Suicide: Methods and Attempts 1:200 1:25 1:4 Hospitalized attempts; did we miss anyone? 73% of seniors who complete suicide use firearms Less able to recover from the physical trauma of an attempt Less likely to be rescued Patrick Arbore s Collective Shrug 6 Seniors and Suicide: The Risk Factors White Male 85+ Isolated Loss(es) Pain Substance Abuse History of Attempts Access to means Social and Financial Stress Stigma Ageism Mental Illness 2008 All Rights Reserved 27

4 7 Seniors and Suicide: Protective Factors (Hard to measure) Female Culture/Religion Coping Skills Problem Solving Skills Sense of Humor Access to services Strong support network 8 Depression and Seniors (DSM lite) Depressed mood. In children and adolescents can be irritable. Diminished pleasure or interest in usual activities. Significant weight or appetite changes. Insomnia or hypersomnia Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation (observable) Fatigue or Loss of Energy. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness. Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation or plan. 9 Waving the Red Flag Mood may be irritable, not sad Somatic symptoms are common Dx associated with increased risk of suicide include: CHF COPD Urinary Incontinence Chronic Pain 2008 All Rights Reserved 28

5 10 Waving the Red Flag Continues The person most likely to see the depressed or suicidal senior is their physician Of seniors (over 70) who complete suicide, 70% saw their PCP within the month, 35% saw their PCP within the week, and 20% saw their PCP within 24 hours of their death* *AAS Elderly Suicide Fact Sheet, Further Waving of the Red Flag I just wish the Good Lord would take me. Putting affairs in order Stockpiling Ignoring medical advice Doctor shopping Poor self care Withdrawal Sudden upturn in mood 12 Taking the Flag Ask! Ask! Be present and willing to talk Do not judge the act or the feelings Do not offer advice Do not go it alone Use the ambivalence 2008 All Rights Reserved 29

6 13 Local Resources Area Agency on Aging, Region One Senior HELP LINE HELP (4357) (I&R) Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition Jewish Family and Children s Service Senior Horizons St. Luke s Generations Program Banner Mesa Generations Program SAGE Outpatient Inpatient ARISE (CD) National and Web Based Resources TALK (8255) (National Hotline) Suicide Prevention Resource Center National Strategy for Suicide Prevention American Association of Suicidology 2008 All Rights Reserved 30

7 1 Too Old to Commit Suicide Viviana Gormaz Med and Edith Twitchell MC 2 Too Old to Commit Suicide This presentation will overview: Mental Health v/s Aging Process Human Development and the Aging Process Personality Types Social Demands Physical Changes Prevention Models Conclusion 3 Too Old to Commit Suicide Human Development a) Childhood b) Adolescence c) Young Adult d) Adult e) Mature Adult F) Senior years 2008 All Rights Reserved 31

8 4 Too Old to Commit Suicide Personality Types a) Type A personality b) Type T personality c) Type H personality d) Type S personality 5 Too Old to Commit Suicide Social Demands a) Stereotyping b) Eternal Youth Dream c) Retirement d) Health Issues 6 Too Old to Commit Suicide Physical Changes a) Body Maintenance b) Physical Fitness c) Mental Fitness d) Access to Medication f) Stress Management 2008 All Rights Reserved 32

9 7 Too Old to Commit Suicide Prevention Models a) Traditional Talking Therapy Medication b) Tiempo de Oro Model Components Culturally Tailored to the Community Creativity and Spirituality Volunteerism 8 Too Old to Commit Suicide Conclusion We can conclude that seniors in our community will develop healthier life styles (less suicidal tendencies) if they have access to culturally adapted behavioral services delivered to their own areas. 9 Too Old to Commit Suicide References Mentalhealth.samhsa.gov mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention Questions? 2008 All Rights Reserved 33

10 2008 All Rights Reserved 34