For Black individuals ages 65 and up, the suicide rate increased by 64% between 2010 and 2018. For elderly individuals, suicide can often be tied to the isolation and loneliness that might occur as one gets older. But for Black elders, the suicide rate is compounded by many barriers to access to care, including racial and age discrimination. Understanding these factors is the first step to identifying you or your loved one’s risk and finding the right kind of support.
- Loneliness and isolation
- Loss of spouse
- History of mental illness
- Chronic illness and pain
- Loss of self sufficiency
- Cognitive impairment
- Lack of culturally competent health care providers
- Racism and Ageism
- Social connectedness
- Care for physical and emotional health
- Skills in coping and adapting to change
Crisis Call Lines
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Additional Resources
- Institute on Aging
- National Council on Aging
- National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging
- Center for Black Women’s Wellness
- Therapy for Black Men
- Eustress
- The Confess Project
- Black Mental Health Alliance
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
- The Black Mental Health Corporation
- African American Male Wellness Agency
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Support from family members
Support from family members
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Therapy
Therapy
Access to culturally appropriate care
Access to culturally appropriate care
Practicing Self-Love
Practicing Self-Love
Addressing Mental health issues
Addressing Mental health issues
Education about suicide and mental health
Education about suicide and mental health
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Engagement with other seniors
Engagement with other seniors
HOW IT WORKS.
Factors as to why suicide is on the rise for Seniors
- Lack of trust with health care providers
- Chronic illness and pain
- Loss of loved ones
- Untreated mental health conditions
- Financial troubles
Elders
Factors as to why suicide is on the rise for Elders
Loss of self-sufficiency
Loss of self-sufficiency
Chronic pain or illness
Geriatric depression