Suicide in My Ward

[_Runtu]

One of the "stalwart" members of our ward was a colonel in the army who had converted to the church sometime in the 1960s. He was well-known in and out of the church as a community leader and heavily involved with Boy Scouts and helping young men find jobs and careers. When I was out of work last year, he was the ward employment specialist and was actually helpful and encouraging.

For the past several years, this man, now in his mid-70s, has been confined to a wheelchair and had serious health problems.

My wife called me yesterday to tell me he had passed away, which wasn't surprising given that his health had been deteriorating pretty rapidly lately.

Just now I opened up the newspaper and read that he had gone to the shooting range on Wednesday, as he did every Wednesday, and had this time pointed the gun at himself and taken his own life.

I'm not sure that this has anything to do with Mormonism, but I can't imagine getting to that point. I've been down and depressed before, but never quite to that point.

I find myself hoping against hope that the rumor mill won't be in full swing this Sunday.

Anyway, sorry for rambling. Just in a bit of shock here.

[_Blixa]

That is very shocking and sad.

My brother the cop told me that shooting ranges are a not uncommon place for suicides (actually he said the men's room of shooting ranges).

I'm sure his chronic ill-health played into his depression. I'm sorry to hear he couldn't find help or a less violent way to exit from his pain.

[_Doctor Steuss]

The rate for suicide in the 65+ age range is substantially higher than that of the 15-24 age range. The rate for the 75+ age range is higher than all others age ranges.



My heart goes out to those who will be mourning this loss.

[_Jersey Girl]

The rate for suicide in the 65+ age range is substantially higher than that of the 15-24 age range. The rate for the 75+ age range is higher than all others age ranges.



My heart goes out to those who will be mourning this loss.

Considering the stats you provided, do you think that dementia is a major factor for the rate of suicide in the 75+ range?

Jersey Girl

[_Doctor Steuss]

The rate for suicide in the 65+ age range is substantially higher than that of the 15-24 age range. The rate for the 75+ age range is higher than all others age ranges.



My heart goes out to those who will be mourning this loss.

Considering the stats you provided, do you think that dementia is a major factor for the rate of suicide in the 75+ range?

Jersey Girl

According to an AAS conference I went to (that was sponsored by the NCIPC – back in 2004) that focused on this topic, the main reason is undiagnosed and/or untreated depression. Mental health services aren't as available to the elderly as they need to be (especially in retirement homes). There are also the problems with government provided health insurance and its lack of mental health coverage (although this is slowly being rectified). I imagine that dementia could ultimately lead to depression. The notes I still have saved on my computer from the conference have these as the main contributing causes:

The recent death of a loved one (usually the spouse).
Physical illness, uncontrollable pain or the fear of a prolonged illness; (as well as perceived poor health).
Isolation and/or loneliness.
Major changes in social role.

Edited to add: If I recall correctly, the "major changes in social roles" had mostly to do with retirement and also no longer being as "useful" as they perceived themselves to be prior to retirement.

[_beastie]

I also think the US has a dismal health care system in general, and even worse in terms of intervening with mental illness (if this was the cause, rather than simply wishing to avoid a painful death).

[_Mr. Coffee]

was a colonel in the army... He was well-known in and out of the church as a community leader... now in his mid-70s, has been confined to a wheelchair and had serious health problems.

Part of me can understand what might have been the "why" of what this man did.


In any case...



Semper Fidelis.

[_Jason Bourne]

George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak and generous benefactor of the arts, music and university in the city where he lived committed suiced in his mid 70's. He was ill, did not want to wither away. He left a brief note "My work is done." He was not married, never did and had no children.

The reason I mention this is while personally I may not agree I can understand a bit how someone old and ill may get this point.

[_moksha]

Runtu, when you are seventy five, confined to a wheelchair and are in failing health, it is probably better to refer to the cause of his death as "Self Determination" rather than suicide.