Suicides Among Adolescents and the Elderly in Alabama

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Summary
References

Introduction

Adolescents and the elderly are considered vulnerable groups at greater risk for developing anxiety and depression, leading to suicide. According to Sharma and Branscum (2020), about 17% of the global population constitutes teenagers, and 27% are the elderly. Suicides are categorized as self-inflicted harm and are considered the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in the U.S. and the second leading cause of mortality for youth (Alabama Public Health [APH], 2019). Indeed, approximately 1.5 million suicide attempts occur annually in the U.S., and more than 47,000 of these events lead to death (Sharma & Branscum, 2020). The suicide rate is relatively high in Alabama, where the most prevalent methods are firearms (APH, 2019). Thus, this essay aims to compare and contrast morbidity and mortality rates associated with suicides for adolescents and the elderly in Alabama, etiologic factors, and possible ways of prevention.

Main body

Suicide rates among adolescents and the elderly in Alabama are similar in high numbers among males. Still, the recent data show growing trends in the former group and decreased suicides in the latter (America’s Health Rankings [AHR], n.d.a, n.d.b). The universal predisposing factors for this form of self-injury are social isolation, mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, and previous suicide attempts (APH, 2019). On the other hand, protective factors for both age groups are social support, religiosity, and no access to lethal methods (APH, 2019). Although the overall prevalence of suicides among the elderly has started to drop, the numbers are still high. Specifically, almost 19 death from self-inflicted harm per 100,000 occurred each year from 2017 to 2019 (AHR, n.d.a). In contrast, the number of suicide-related deaths among teenagers was 11 per 100,000 in the same period, with a 43% rise in suicide death rates in this age group in Alabama (AHR, n.d.b; Curtin, 2020). Overall, the rates were higher than in the previous years for adolescents and lowered for older adults.

The statistics show that measures to reduce deaths caused by suicides should be taken in Alabama. Since firearms are the most common method, introducing firearm registration, background checks, and required safety training can reduce the rate in both age groups (Sharma & Branscum, 2020). Another way to reduce suicide rates among adolescents is by implementing mentorship programs (Sharma & Branscum, 2020). However, older people may need a slightly different approach, including home visitations and group meetings. Designing the intervention programs for these two groups can differ in age peculiarities because teenagers may need involvement in various activities. At the same time, the elderly may require more social events with their counterparts. Still, methods of reaching and educating adolescents and older adults will probably be similar because both group work and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be applied.

Summary

In summary, suicide rates among adolescents and the elderly are still high in Alabama and the rest of the United States. The most prevalent methods of self-harm are firearms. Specific risk and protective factors may lead to or prevent suicide attempts. For instance, social isolation, mental health issues, and drug or alcohol abuse can predispose individuals to suicidal ideation and self-injuring behavior, whereas support and religiosity may prevent such behavior. The recent statistics show a high number of suicide-related death among these two population groups in this state. However, the overall trend is increasing for teenagers and decreasing for older adults. Finally, the intervention programs to reduce suicide rates should include group meetings, cognitive-behavioral therapy, home visits, and mentorship programs.

References

Alabama Public Health. (2019). Alabama suicide fact sheet. Web.

America’s Health Rankings. (n.d.a). Suicide – ages 65+, Alabama, United States. Web.

America’s Health Rankings. (n.d.b). Teen suicide, Alabama, United States. Web.

Curtin, S. C. (2020). State suicide rates among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24: United States, 2000–2018. CDC. Web.

Sharma, M., & Branscum, P. W. (2020). Introduction to community and public health (2^nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

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Suicides Among Adolescents and the Elderly in Alabama

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