Signs that an Older Adult May Be at Risk of Suicide

Older adults may show verbal, behavioral, situational, and other signs of suicide. If you are experiencing any of these signs please tell someone. If you are a friend or family member, these signs should prompt you to get help.

Source: Osgood, N. 1985, Suicide in the Elderly, A Practitioners Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment, Aspen Publications

Verbal Signs:

Direct:

I'm going to end it all
I'm going to kill myself

Indirect:

What's the point of going on?
Who cares if I am dead anyway?
You would be better off without me
Soon you won't have to worry about me anymore

Behavioral Signs:

Purchasing or owning a gun
Stockpiling pills
Making or changing a will (if it does not seem reasonable)
Giving away possessions
Unexplained behaviors or rejection of friends or family
Substance, medication or alcohol abuse
Loss of understanding, judgment or memory

Situations Which May Precipitate Suicidal Thoughts:

Recent move
Death of a spouse, child, or friend
Diagnosis of a terminal illness
Recent arguments with family members
Serious problems in relationships

Symptoms Which May Accompany Suicidal Thinking:

Depression
Depression accompanied by anxiety
Significantly increased tension and agitation
Dependency
Isolation
Rigidity

Remember to Acknowledge - Care – Tell (ACT)^®

Signs that an Older Adult May Be at Risk of Suicide

GET HELP NOW