Posted 5/3/24

Tennessee’s suicide rate is climbing, and federal public health officials say prevention needs to start locally.

In the past year, more than 1,000 Tennesseans have died of suicide, that’s a suicide rate increase of more than 10% from 2015 to 2019. The country as a whole has experienced a similar rise.

One of the organizations that offers training on suicide is the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, a statewide public-private organization. It’s a coalition that includes mental health providers, doctors, advocates, clergy and social workers.

Other programs are meant to equip community members outside the medical profession to identify warning signs and connect people with services and supports.

The network lists these as some of the warning signs of suicide,

talk of suicide,changes in sleep and/or eating patterns, stopped taking medication as prescribed or hoarding medication, increased use of drugs or alcohol, preoccupation with death, making last arrangements, giving away possessions, and obtaining firearms.

The national suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24 hours per day by calling 988.