While
suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in this country, the
elderly accounted for 16 percent of suicides in the U.S. in 2004.
Reports show that one person older than 65 commits suicide every 90
minutes. Be aware of some common warning signs.
1 Watch
for extreme mood swings or feelings of deep sadness that do not go
away. These can be symptoms of depression, a major risk factor for
suicide. Individuals also suddenly may become calm after a period of
depression, another sign that the person may be thinking about ending
his life. A preoccupation with death often is a clear sign. Although
some people may talk about death, not everyone threatens suicide
beforehand. Still, any threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
