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SINGAPORE: When Mrs. Tan (not her real name), a widow in her 90s, suddenly lost her son to a heart attack, she thought all hope was lost.
After all, he was the only member of the close family she had left. In addition, Mdm Tan, a fall risk living in a rental apartment, had lost all independence due to her limited mobility and weak legs
"Our care management team knew her suicidal thoughts" The Jasmine Wong Foundation Mobile Clinic Hua Mei told Channel NewsAsia
So, the staff of the organization's counseling and coaching team provided him with psycho-emotional counseling and therapy and worked with neighbors and community partners. With Mdm Tan refusing to go to a retirement home, the staff made frequent visits to "reassure her that life has more to offer". They continued to look after her for another year, until she died of cancer
But there are others that fall into net of the net
The number of people aged 60 and over The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) reported having issued a press release on Monday, July 30th. 123 suicides of seniors have been reported. The proportion of seniors' suicides also increased: seniors accounted for 36% of the 361 suicides reported in 2017, compared to 29% of the 429 suicides recorded the previous year.
"It is very worrying that many seniors are committing suicide. According to SOS Executive Director, Christine Wong,
According to the sociologist of the National University of Singapore, Tan Ern Ser, the typical profile of an elder who is most likely to committing suicide is probably someone aged 75 or over, living alone or with a spouse, and only has primary education.
FEAR OF BEING BURIAL, SOCIAL DISCONNECT AMONG THE REASONS [19659002] These elderly people might have the impression that life is "empty and insignificant," Dr. Tan told Channel NewsAsia , claiming that lack of social support or a chronic or terminal illness were common causes of suicide
. SOS said, quoting callers on their 24-hour phone line.
"These concerns predispose socially isolated seniors to depression and suicidal tendencies.
READ: High prevalence of suicide among people aged 50 and over: SOS
However, SOS said fewer elderly people were calling. Last year, 5,652 calls were made. This situation is particularly worrying given the current trend, said SOS, especially since the phone line is "favored by the older demographic group". Among those who revealed their age, 23% of calls made to SOS last year involved people aged 60 and over.
Dr. Tan explained that some might choose not to call because they are not used to sharing their "most intimate thoughts with others or seeking help through a hotline to talk to a foreign".
"They also think that no one could understand them and their situation, let alone help them," he said.
Worse yet, some of them might not even be aware of other forms of help. "They probably live alone, have little or no friends, only know people who do not know everything about other forms of help, or do not consider non-parents as a potential source. help, "Dr. Tan adds.
And when that happens, SOS said that older people might feel a "strong sense of helplessness that can exacerbate social isolation"
READ: "Like a knife that stings my heart" : Loss, Loneliness and Suffering from the Depression of the Elderly
]
Nevertheless, Dr. Tan said that alternative assistance can take the form of "caring, supportive and caring" family members.
Volunteers who meet regularly with older people are considered friends and can involve them. Qualified counselors who can provide professional help are also beneficial, he added. 9659002] To this end, SOS stressed the "imminent need for stronger support networks as the number of elderly people living alone in Singapore continues to increase," stressing that this will create challenges for social support services current.
RED FLAGERS
M. Simon-Peter Lum, Deputy Director of COMNET Senior Services under AMKFSC Community Services, said his staff was trained to monitor suicidal tendencies by attending classes taught by SOS and the Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms of suicidal tendencies include preparation for death, such as writing a cherished will or handing over personal belongings, searching for a sudden change in the environment and the sudden withdrawal of social interactions.
Ms. Wong of the Tsao Foundation said that the red flags included physical complaints such as "wa long cong tia", Hokkien for "I feel pain everywhere", and self-neglect in terms of
The Staff should also pay special attention to older people who are struggling with a recent life crisis, such as the death of a loved one or excessive medical bills.
READ: Lonely and & # 39; waiting to die, "the poor elderly of Singapore find hope in many helping hands
In one case, a senior who had hallucinations approached a COMNET worker and asked for a screening of the depression. "The senior was found to be at high risk of suicide and the staff members accompanied him to the IMH with his consent," said Mr Lum.
After the elder's treatment and leave, members of the community resource, engagement and support team continued to monitor him during home visits and his CAS participation.
For low-risk cases, staff provide emotional counseling and support. Recognize their stressors and how to manage them.
"We are also developing a safety plan with them and continue to monitor and follow until they stabilize," Lum said. "We also refer cases to social workers where appropriate."
WHAT YOU CAN DO
M. Lum encouraged family members, caregivers and volunteers to communicate with their elders. [traduction] "Pass on your concerns and let them express what troubles them, show them empathy and support them and let them know that they are not alone" , he said. "Helping them identify stressors provides a sense of relief, sharing their burden increases their ability and confidence to cope."
In addition, he says, keeping them engaged in meaningful activities will help them cope. to achieve their goal. Expressions of suicidal thoughts may be signs of elders screaming for help, "said Ms. Wong of the Tsao Foundation. "It is not advisable to exclude seniors for" idiotic and idle thoughts "- which may well be warning signs for the risk of suicide."
Take a senior to see a good generalist (GP) over the years "The indirect cues that a doctor will have the opportunity to identify would include repeated visits from an elder for loss of appetite and weight loss, inability to sleep, and refusal to take medication. "" GPs can also help refer relevant cases to counselors and other community partners. "[19659002] LOWEST GENERAL SUICIDES SINCE 2012
Meanwhile, the total number of suicides reported last year – at 361 – was on
This means that the average suicide rate dropped to 7.74 deaths per suicide per 100,000 population, compared to 9.14 deaths between 2012 and 2016.
"In recent years, our community outreach and engagement has been focused on" The decline in suicide deaths in these groups age can be attributed to the concerted efforts of all social services, "said Ms. Wong of SOS
. partners and many other members of the community, even members of the public who are familiar with SOS suicide prevention work.
READ: The new mom's suicide lights up the struggles of working mothers, says the coroner
READ: Confronting Depression – Working adults struggle not only against demons, but also against stigma [19659017DespitethisWongsaidthecommunityandsocialsupportgroupsshouldcontinuetostepuptheireffortsandnotletgo
SOS said, "Beyond simply reporting, annual suicide statistics also reveal the reality of the struggles faced by ordinary Singaporeans.
Where to find? help: Samaritans in Singapore operate a 24 hour hotline at 1800 221 4444, or you can send an email to [email protected]. You can also find a list of international support lines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call emergency medical services 24 hours a day.
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