Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation OR "Don't Go Broke" Strategy Session 404-549-5001

125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 550,
Decatur, GA 30030

404-549-5001

The Dangers Of COVID-19 Protective Measures To Elderly, Caregivers and Veterans

elderly, caregivers and veterans

When it comes to the dangers of COVID-19 protective measures to elderly, caregivers and veterans, you may not have thought much about this subject.


September is National Suicide Awareness Month. This year, in the midst of COVID-19 protective measures, we must be more attentive to signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among our loved ones.

That’s because the very behaviors designed to protect us from COVID-19 are precisely the conditions that are known to cause depression and suicidal thoughts among everyone and especially the most vulnerable populations of the elderly, their caregivers, and veterans. I’m referring to social distancing, isolation, and economic stress.

Most Susceptible To Suicide Are The Elderly, Caregivers And Veterans

Among the most vulnerable members of the population who may be considering suicide more frequently now are the elderly, caregivers, and veterans. In some cases you will find people in their 60’s living with and caring for their parents who are in their late 80s and 90s. This kind of scenario, even under the best circumstances poses a perfect storm for depression and suicidal thoughts.

With the social restrictions imposed today due to COVID-19, the isolation of the elderly, caregivers, and veterans can be unbearable for all parties involved.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 31% of unpaid family caregivers reported seriously considering suicide.

I have read reports from around the world where elderly patients have jumped out of hospital windows due to COVID-19 fears. The elderly may be afraid of infecting their children or grandchildren if they were to get COVID. They also may be afraid of how much they would suffer if they were to get it and what a greater burden they would be on their families.

[Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322164/]

Even before COVID-19 infected the world, here in the U.S., suicides have been very high among our veterans.

In fact, prior to the restrictive shelter in place orders imposed to protect us from COVID-19, and before the unemployment due to COVID-19, according to statistics, more than 20 American veterans took their lives every day. Now, with the ongoing financial economic and stress, on top of the social isolation, experts expect those numbers to increase.

I recently read an article about veterans and suicide. It states:

“For every 5% increase in the unemployment rate, our country will lose an additional 550 veterans to suicide annually… The isolation cause by the pandemic has made a lot of already lonely people even lonelier, further amplifying the risk of veteran suicide.”

[Source: https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/508306-as-covid-19-crisis-continues-suicide-risk-for-veterans-likely-to-grow]

Some Suicide Indicators

While there are rarely definitive indicators that someone is going to commit suicide, experts agree that there are some signs that a loved one may be contemplating the act. It’s also important to remember that not everyone follows through. The one thing to remember is that “suicide is not a mental illness itself. but a serious potential consequence of treatable mental disorders that include major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.” https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior#1

Any of the following could be potential warning signs for suicide:

  • Excessive sadness or moodiness: Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.
  • Hopelessness: Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future, with little expectation that circumstances can improve.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Sudden calmness: Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
  • Withdrawal: Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression, a leading cause of suicide. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
  • Changes in personality and/or appearance: A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
  • Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
  • Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
  • Making preparations: Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide. Some will buy a firearm or other means like poison.
  • Threatening or talking about suicide: From 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone — a friend or relative — a warning sign. However, not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.” https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior#1

How You Can Help the Elderly, Caregivers, and Veterans you Know…

If you are a caregiver and need help, find someone to reach out to. It’s imperative to take care of yourself. Take a walk. Be kind to yourself.  IF you know someone who is a caregiver, reach out to that person. Be a compassionate listener. If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide review the suggestions below compiled by medical experts and reach out to that person.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide.
  • Ask if he or she is seeing a therapist or taking medication.
  • Rather than trying to talk the person out of suicide, let him or her know that depression is temporary and treatable.
  • In some cases, the person just needs to know that someone cares and is looking for the chance to talk about his or her feelings. You can then encourage the person to seek professional help.

https://guideinc.org/2020/09/01/september-is-national-suicide-prevention-month/

 

 

   

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

 
provided by Premier | powered by Premier

Thank you for your upload