YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Why older adults
may be at higher
risk?
YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Why older adults may be at higher risk?
The physical, emotional, and cognitive struggles faced by older adults can lead to feelings of depression, which over time can evolve into clinical depression. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
The physical, emotional, and cognitive struggles faced by older adults can lead to feelings of depression, which over time can evolve into clinical depression. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Suicidal behaviour is common in older adults for a number of reasons.
• Being homebound and losing their independence and self sufficiency.
• Isolation- having no family or friends.
• Recent loss of a spouse or loved one.
• Chronic illness and pain- chronic pain impairs the quality of life and can result in depression.
• History of mental illness.
• Decline in cognitive functioning which may affect a person’s ability to make decisions and increases impulsivity.
• Financial difficulties – older adults who live on a fixed income
Suicidal behaviour is common in older adults for a number of reasons.
• Being homebound and losing their independence and self sufficiency.
• Isolation- having no family or friends.
• Recent loss of a spouse or loved one.
• Chronic illness and pain- chronic pain impairs the quality of life and can result in depression.
• History of mental illness.
• Decline in cognitive functioning which may affect a person’s ability to make decisions and increases impulsivity.
• Financial difficulties – older adults who live on a fixed income
What are the warning signs of suicide in older adults?
• Being homebound and losing their independence and self sufficiency.
• Isolation- having no family or friends.
• Recent loss of a spouse or loved one.
• Chronic illness and pain- chronic pain impairs the quality of life and can result in depression.
• History of mental illness.
• Decline in cognitive functioning which may affect a person’s ability to make decisions and increases impulsivity.
• Financial difficulties – older adults who live on a fixed income
What are the warning signs of suicide in older adults?
• Being homebound and losing their independence and self sufficiency.
• Isolation- having no family or friends.
• Recent loss of a spouse or loved one.
• Chronic illness and pain- chronic pain impairs the quality of life and can result in depression.
• History of mental illness.
• Decline in cognitive functioning which may affect a person’s ability to make decisions and increases impulsivity.
• Financial difficulties – older adults who live on a fixed income
Caring for yourself
Supporting someone who is depressed, going through a difficult time, or who has experienced a traumatic event or loss can be challenging and emotionally demanding. It might leave you feeling afraid, scared or worried. While you want to be there for your friend, it’s also important that you have your own support to help you deal with your own feelings that may arise because of this. It’s also important not to carry the load on your own, and know when to get professional help. Reach out to a family member or a professional. Remember, we’re better able to help others when we look after ourselves! The support line is not only there for people who are going through a difficult time, we are also there to support you whilst you support others.
Caring for yourself
Supporting someone who is depressed, going through a difficult time, or who has experienced a traumatic event or loss can be challenging and emotionally demanding. It might leave you feeling afraid, scared or worried. While you want to be there for your friend, it’s also important that you have your own support to help you deal with your own feelings that may arise because of this. It’s also important not to carry the load on your own, and know when to get professional help. Reach out to a family member or a professional. Remember, we’re better able to help others when we look after ourselves! The support line is not only there for people who are going through a difficult time, we are also there to support you whilst you support others.
Here are some other organisations that may be useful
Chabad Seniors
Rabbi Ari Kievman
079 434 1293
rak@chabad.org.za
Motzei Shabbat: until 12am
Chevrah Kadisha
(Counselling and Financial Services)
011 5329701
After hours 082 499 1010
Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society
(Befrienders programme,
bridal gemach, clothing depot)
011 485 5232
https://www.jwbs.co.za