Raising Awareness
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together and start a dialogue about mental health conditions and suicide prevention. It’s a time to raise awareness to help ensure that individuals, families, and friends have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
The overall suicide rate (in the U.S.) has increased by 35 percent since 1999 (NAMI).
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there’s no single cause for suicide. Depression, anxiety, and substance problems - especially those that aren’t addressed - are conditions that increase the risk of suicide. Learning more about the risk factors and warning signs can save lives.
Risk factors include:
-
Mental health conditions that include depression, substance use problems, anxiety disorders, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia.
-
A family history of suicide.
-
A history of trauma or abuse.
-
Stressful life events such as divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions.
-
A recent tragedy or loss.
-
A serious or chronic medical illness.
-
Prolonged stress, for example from unemployment, bullying, or relationship problems.
There are a number of warning signs that a person may exhibit through what they say, as well as through their behavior and mood. Warning signs include:
-
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live.
-
Talking about killing themselves.
-
Withdrawing from activities.
-
Withdrawing from friends, family, and community.
-
Increased alcohol or drug use.
-
Aggressive behavior.
-
Dramatic mood swings.
-
Loss of interest.
-
Giving away possessions.
-
Saying goodbye to friends and family.
It’s important to know that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone - regardless of age, gender or background - and often indicate more serious issues. Not taking these thoughts seriously can have devastating outcomes.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 (which was the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s dialing code of 800-273-TALK previous to 988) or call 911 immediately.
Sources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs
National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental- Illness/Risk-of-Suicide
and https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI- Media/Infographics/NAMI_Suicide_2020_FINAL.pdf
Recent News
MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which leads the nation’s observance of this special month, has announced this year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging”, will focus on “transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging”.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will reach age 65 or older; by 2040, this demographic is expected to make up 22 percent of the American population.
Full Article MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Full Article APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and honor the countless individuals who generously donate their time, skills, and energy to make a lasting impact in their communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we proudly acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others across the 23 communities we serve.
We discussed our Volunteer programs with:
- Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES
- Mike Pauley, OCES Volunteer
Full Article Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
During March, we celebrate Social Work Month and the many contributions of social workers.
Social workers are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Social workers also help people of all ages cope with life’s challenges. A major part of a social worker’s job is advocacy. Social workers stand up for equal rights of all people and work to ensure that services are provided to all who need them.
Full Article MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs
OCES a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services.
Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
OCES the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual milestone awards. On November 20, 2024, a special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three staff members from OCES' Brockton and Plymouth offices received longevity awards.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.
JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service
On January 20th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.
Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality Manager
Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a Berkley, MA resident, has been promoted to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Quality Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton, MA.
OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families this Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper
Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items this holiday season.
