My mother has a history of mental illness and one attempt at suicide. She started complaining of back pain last year and that hasn’t gotten better even with all kinds of treatment. I’m worried about a second attempt at killing herself. Should I say something to her doctor?

Family concerns about potential suicide are very real and very important. Although your mother’s physician will not be able to discuss her situation with you without her written approval, you are free to express your concerns.

Physicians don’t always have all the information they need to properly assess and treat patients. Knowing about a history of mental illness or other problems like alcohol or other drug abuse would be very helpful.

If your mother is open to conversation or communication about her health, it might be best to discuss your concerns with her first. However, we understand this isn’t always possible.

Research shows that back pain is common among women who commit suicide. Older adults are especially vulnerable and the use of presription drugs (narcotics for pain control) as a means of suicide (intentional overdose) has been documented.

If nothing else, your mother’s physician will be able to use the information you provide to carefully prescribe and monitor her medications. Perhaps you could help your mother find ways to manage her pain. It may be worth it to explore alternate treatment for pain control such as hypnosis, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, massage, and so on.