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Older Adults & Suicide

Older Adults & Suicide

18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Older men die by suicide at a rate that is more than 7x higher than that of older women.
  • The incidence of suicide is particularly high among older, white males.
  • Older women may also be at risk for suicide, especially if lonely or dealing with chronic pain.
Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Access/Crisis Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

See 988 FAQs >
Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Access/Crisis Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Are you feeling lonely or isolated?

Call the Senior Support Line:
1-800-235-9980

Resources for Older Adults:
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Call 805-477-7300
or go to their website – www.vcaaa.org

Are you feeling lonely or isolated?

Call the Senior Support Line:
1-800-235-9980

Resources for Older Adults:
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Call 805-477-7300
or go to their website – www.vcaaa.org

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line‍

‍Call 988 and press 1

‍‍veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

‍More resources for Military and Veterans >

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line‍

‍Call 988 and press 1

‍‍veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

‍More resources for Military and Veterans >

For First Responders

Law enforcement COPLINE
‍1-800-267-5463
‍www.copline.org‍

‍

‍NVFC First Responder Helpline
‍Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
‍1-888-731-3473
‍‍www.nvfc.org/help

For First Responders

Law enforcement COPLINE
‍1-800-267-5463
‍www.copline.org‍

‍

‍NVFC First Responder Helpline
‍Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
‍1-888-731-3473
‍‍www.nvfc.org/help

En Español

More Support & Resources

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KNOW THE SIGNS

  • Talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Displaying extreme mood swings

IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW AT RISK?

Risk factors for older adults include:

  • Recent death of a loved one
  • Physical illness, disability, or pain
  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Major life changes, such as retirement
  • Loss of independence
  • Loss of sense of purpose

Types of Anxiety Disorders
Mental Health Myths & Facts
Alcohol & Drugs
Related Pages
Video Library

Introduction to 988

Full video library
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Promoting Mental Health
in Ventura County

For a crisis, call 911 or the VCBH Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243. Please note that information on WellnessEveryday.org should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a
healthcare professional before acting on any information found on WellnessEveryday.org.

Ventura County Behavioral Health treatment clinics and programs are licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. Learn more at www.VCBH.org.
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