The German Foundation for Patient Protection is pushing for better support options for older people with depression. Board member Eugen Brysch told the German Press Agency that people over 60 are found disproportionately often among those who die by suicide. And a main cause of suicide is depression. However, there is a lack of appropriate psychiatric and psychological help, especially for those in need of care. The federal government must therefore launch a “Suicide Prevention 60plus Action Program”.
“The goal must be to halve the number of suicides,” said Brysch on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday. A prevention law is needed for this. “The legal right to short-term consultation hours, treatment places and outreach therapy offers must come within this legislative period.” People in need of care in particular need such offers because they are often immobile.
