Men over 75 are at the highest risk of suicide, and there's a reason why, according to a new report from the CDC.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The number of Americans who died by suicide in 2023 will be a record number not seen in the past 80 years.
Now, a new report from the CDC says men over 75 are at the highest risk, and there's a reason for that.
“If you think about this generation, things like mental health and emotional well-being weren't really talked about, and if they were, it was a bad thing,” said Darina Bledsoe Evolved, MD, a behavioral health therapist. said.
Bledsoe says that stigma prevents them from getting the help they need.
“The combination of lack of understanding, stigma, and negative thoughts and implications associated with behavioral health can make it very difficult to take that first step to seek help,” Bledsoe says.
But we have come a long way. Getting help is now as easy as going to your GP.
“The first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and let them know that you are interested in a mental health evaluation or would like to be connected to a behavioral health professional,” Bledsoe said. Told.
Families often need to be aware of the red flags.
“These include avoiding social activities, not showing interest in things that used to be fun or enjoyable, giving away personal items, and neglecting one's health and appearance,” Bledsoe says. .
Resources will be available when you are ready to make a call.
“We operate out of eight locations here in Albuquerque. So if you're already an established patient, great. If you're not, go ahead and give. optum It’s a phone call,” Bledsoe said.
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