Date: September 7, 2007
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154
Kansas ranks 16th among the 50 states for suicide rates, and many of those deaths occur in the over-65 population. A new brochure, produced cooperatively by three state agencies, aims to raise awareness to prevent suicide among seniors.
The brochure, Suicide Awareness for Older Kansans, was developed by the Governor’s Mental Health Services Planning Council and the Sedgwick Coounty Aging and Wellness Coalition. Support was provided by the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA), the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
“Kansas seniors are valuable members of our society,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “We must continue taking steps to raise awareness about depression and prevent suicide among our seniors.”
KDOA Secretary Kathy Greenlee said too many seniors suffer unnecessarily from depression because they fear the stigma that they associate with mental illness. “Because the majority of seniors have visited their primary care physician within a month of their suicide, we believe increased awareness can help seniors receive the help they need.”
Signs of depression include feelings of nervousness or “emptiness,” feeling guilty or worthless, tired and slowed down, restless and irritable or not enjoying things any more. Sleeping or eating more or less than usual and having unexplained headaches, stomach aches or chronic pain also can be signs of depression.
“Depression is common among seniors, but it is not part of the natural aging process,” said KDHE Secretary Roderick L. Bremby. “If left untreated, depression may lead to suicide. In 2005, 55 Kansans over 64 years old died by suicide – 47 men and 8 women. Prevention requires a coordination of resources at all levels of government, the private sector and nonprofit organizations.”
The three state agencies are also collaborating on activities to raise public awareness during Suicide Prevention Week Sept 9-15.
"SRS is pleased to be a part of this important initiative," said SRS Secretary Don Jordan. "Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and raising awareness is key to suicide prevention."
For good mental health, the brochure advises people to:
The brochure is available on the KDHE website at: http://www.kdheks.gov/idp/download/Suicide_and_Older_Adult_Brochure.pdf. It will also be available through the 11 Kansas Area Agencies on Aging or any local health department.