Some behaviors can be clues to a potential murder-suicide

Last update: March 26, 2009 - 10:47 PM

SOME BEHAVIORS CAN BE CLUES TO A POTENTIAL MURDER-SUICIDE

Warning signs often appear before an older couple's murder-suicide. Families and friends may be able to stop a tragedy.

THE SIGNS

• One or both partners, married for many years, have multiple health problems, which may be growing worse.

• The couple are becoming isolated, and the man is talking of moving to a nursing home or experiencing difficulty with eating, anxiety, exhaustion or depression. He may talk of giving away important possessions.

WHAT TO DO

• Address the issues directly with the man. Ask about ideas of suicide or murder-suicide, and don't be shocked at the response.

• Offer support, remove guns from the house, don't be sworn to secrecy and get the man to a physician and find other help.

FINDING HELP

• Call a suicide crisis center, a family doctor or a community mental health center listed in the phone book.

• For articles and advice, go to the Violence and Injury Prevention Program website, www.fmhi.usf.edu/amh/homicide-suicide.

• For statewide advice or referral, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or United Way referral service at 211.

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