Suicide rates among the elderly are much higher than many people realize, but many seniors feel that suicide means they are taking charge of their death. Mood disorders are not always apparent with elderly suicide. They often rationalize their suicidal tendencies as coming to their life’s end by their means rather than nature or sometimes, someone else’s means. Sometimes, society encourages elderly dependence on younger children or long-term care facilities. The wants and needs of the individual are ignored. When they feel they have become a burden on themselves, their loved ones, or society, elderly patients will begin to consider
