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SINGAPORE: When Mdm Tan (loan name), a widow of sixty years, suddenly lost her son because of a heart attack, she thought that everything 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. Ms. 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 still some of them. others like Mrs. Tan who still fall in the cracks
The 60 and over who committed suicide reached a peak of 129 last year, the highest since the suicide began in 1991, said the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) in a statement released Monday, July 30.
more than 2016, when 123 senior suicides were 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. As said Christine Wong, executive director of SOS,
According to sociologist Tan Ern Ser of the National University of Singapore, the typical profile of a senior who is the most likely to commit suicide is probably a person aged 75 or older, living alone or with a spouse, and only at a primary education.
FEAR OF BEING A SOCIAL DEFECT DISCONNECTION [19659002Everyelderlypeoplemighthavetheimpressionthattheworldwas"emptyandinsignificant"declaredtheWashingtonPartytoChannelNewsAsiaaffirmingthattheabsenceofsocialsupportorachronicorsemi-chronicdiseasewerecommoncausesofsuicide
. SOS, quoting callers at their 24-hour phone line.
"These concerns predispose socially isolated seniors to depression and suicidal thoughts. FIGHT: 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 by people aged 50 and over. This figure 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 an alternative assistance can take the form of limbs family "attentive, supportive and attentive".
Volunteers who meet regularly with seniors are considered friends and can put them in contact with qualified counselors. who can provide professional help are also beneficial, he added.
T To this end, SOS emphasized 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 SOS services. current social support.
FLAGS
M. Simon-Peter Lum, Deputy Director of COMNET Senior Services under AMKFSC Community Services, said his staff is trained to monitor suicidal tendencies by taking courses taught by SOS and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Examples of symptoms, he told Channel NewsAsia, include preparing for death, writing a will or handing over cherished property, questioning a sudden change in Environment and a sudden withdrawal of social interactions
Ms. Wong of the Tsao Foundation said the red flags include physical complaints like "wa long cong tia", Hokkien for "I feel pain everywhere", and Self-neglect in
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 expenses.
READ: Lonely and "While waiting to die", poor elderly people in Singapore find hope in many helping hands
In a real case, an elderly person who had hallucinations approached a worker COMNET and asked for a screening for 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] LOWER SUICIDES SINCE 2012
Meanwhile, the 361 suicides reported last year were the lowest since 2012, when 467 cases This means that the average suicide rate has dropped 7.74 deaths per suicide per 100,000 population, compared to 9.14 deaths between 2012 and 2016.
"In recent years, our awareness and community engagement has been focused on youth. by suicide in these gr age can be attributed to the concerted efforts of all social service partners, "said Wong de SOS
. and many others in the community, even members of the public who are aware of the SOS suicide prevention work. "
READ: The new mom's suicide illuminates the struggles of working mothers: Coroner
READ: Facin Despite this, Ms. Wong said the community and one person's social support groups should continue to redouble efforts and not let go "thinking that a slight decrease makes the difference on" SOS said: "Beyond the simple statement, the annual statistics on suicide also reveal the 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 e-mail 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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