Epidemiology of Suicidal Ideation and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among the Elderly in Japan

This study offers a analysis of persons with recurring suicide ideation & persons who have sought help regarding these problems. Among 533 elderly persons (over age 65) in a town in Aomori Prefecture in Japan, 358 agreed to participate. 44 participants responded they had thoughts of death or suicide; these had continued for more than 2 weeks in 12 participants. Only 15 of these 44 respondents indicated they had consulted someone about their problems. Results suggest the importance of community networking through educational activities where people can more readily talk to & support one another. (28 refs.)