Many people believe that suicidal thoughts only exist in the minds of young people.
“This is one of the biggest misconceptions,” said Greg Kushnick, a psychologist specializing in anxiety and depression based in Manhattan.
According to the American Association of Suicidology, 5,723 Americans aged 15 to 24 died by suicide in 2016.
Meanwhile, 16,196 people aged between 45 and 65 also chose to end their lives through suicide during the same period.
Suicide Rates Are Increasing
Based on a CNN report, the number of suicide cases in Indonesia reached 5,000 incidents per year in 2010. Tragically, this figure has doubled in the last two years.
Several high-profile cases further highlight that suicide affects adults and older individuals:
- Singer Chris Cornell was 52 years old when he died by suicide in 2017.
- Comedian Robin Williams was 63 years old when he died by suicide in 2014.
- Fashion designer Kate Spade passed away at the age of 55 on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
- The public was once again shocked by the death of renowned chef Anthony Bourdain, who ended his life at the age of 61 on June 8, 2018.
Prevention Often Misses Middle-Aged Adults
Unfortunately, according to Kushnick, suicide prevention efforts tend to focus mainly on teenagers and young people.
“We focus only on school-aged youth. However, middle-aged adults often struggle with deeply destructive personal issues,” he explained.
These issues may include divorce, infertility, chronic illness, and other life challenges that often receive less attention.
Kushnick also stated that adults who have achieved success may experience fear of their own success—worrying about its consequences—while neglecting necessary mental health care due to work demands and family responsibilities.
For women, hormonal and physical changes during menopause can also increase vulnerability to depression.
Mental Health Warning Signs Appear at Any Age
Kushnick emphasized that mental health warning signs appear similarly across all age groups.
These signs often begin with:
- Loss of interest in social activities
- Mood changes
- Increasing life stress and emotional pressure
“If someone shows increasing signs of hopelessness, it is time to seek help,” he added.
The Importance of Professional Support
Help can take the form of professional treatment and supervision at a rehabilitation center, where individuals receive guidance from trained mentors and spiritual support as part of their recovery process.
Understanding the myths surrounding suicide is a crucial step toward saving lives and ensuring that people of all ages receive the care and attention they need.
