Understanding the Progression from Physical Illness to Suicidal Behavior: A Case Study Based on a Newly Developed Conceptual Model

ABSTRACT

Suicide in older people is a significant public health issue given the aging population and increasing suicide rates with age in many parts of the world. Depression and physical illness are two factors consistently associated with suicidal behavior in older people; however, their inter-relationships are not well understood. We present here a case study based on a newly developed conceptual model illustrating the various medical, psychological, social and resilience factors involved in the progression of physical illness to suicidal behavior. This model provides a framework for clinicians to understand protective factors and address late-life suicide risk.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression
• older adult
• physical illness
• resilience
• suicide

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Anthony Ong for his permission to adapt his model of resilience resources in older people.