Older Adults & Suicide
DID YOU KNOW?
- Older men die by suicide at a rate that is more than 7x higher than that of older women.
- The incidence of suicide is particularly high among older, white males.
- Older women may also be at risk for suicide, especially if lonely or dealing with chronic pain.
IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW AT RISK?
Risk factors for older adults include:
- Recent death of a loved one
- Physical illness, disability, or pain
- Isolation and loneliness
- Major life changes, such as retirement
- Loss of independence
- Loss of sense of purpose
KNOW THE SIGNS
- Talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as buying a gun
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Is anyone in immediate danger?
Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.
Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?
Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
See 988 FAQs >
See Crisis Line Comparison Chart >
Are you feeling lonely or isolated?
Call the Senior Support Line:
1-800-235-9980
Resources for Older Adults:
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Call 805-477-7300
or go to their website – www.vcaaa.org
For Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1
veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7
More resources for Military and Veterans >
For First Responders
Law enforcement COPLINE
1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org
NVFC First Responder Helpline
Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
1-888-731-3473
www.nvfc.org/help
