Someone to talk to. The nurse and the depressed or suicidal older patient

Depression and suicide are two major mental health problems affecting older adults, this country's fastest growing population. As such, more nurses must become educated on assessing their geriatric patients for the signs and symptoms of each. These subjects are very difficult to breach and often are not discussed unless rapport has been established through nurses' use of positive, therapeutic communication. When confronted, professional nurses are placed in the difficult situation between maintaining the patient's privacy or confidentiality, respecting their federally protected health information, and the duty to care for the patient. Open discussion between the nurse and other members of the treatment team is vital to identifying the issue and providing older patients with the mental health care they require.