Depression carries a high risk of suicide. This is the worst but very real outcome of untreated or under-treated depression. Most people who suffer from clinical depression do not attempt suicide. The elderly experience more depression and suicide than you might think. Older adults suffer more frequently from depression because of the frequent loss of loved ones and friends as they age. They also experience more chronic illnesses, more major life changes like retirement, and the transition into assisted living or nursing care.
Warning signs of suicide include:
• Talking, writing, or thinking about killing or hurting oneself or threatening to do so
• Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• Having a "death wish;" tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death -- for example, driving through red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or changing a will
• Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Suddenly visiting or calling people one cares about
• Talking about suicide
• Increase in drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Writing a suicidal note
• Watching well publicized murder and/or suicide reports in the media
• Conducting on-line searches on ways to commit suicide
• Seeking methods to kill oneself, such as getting a gun or pills
