Updated December 4, 2018

Suicides and drug overdoses pushed up deaths in the United States last year, and drove a continuing decline in how long Americans are expected to live.

In Tennessee, addiction and suicide prevention specialists are seeing a similar trend.

In 2017, there were 1,168 deaths by suicide, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.

The holidays are a difficult time for many people with family issues, loss of loved ones, feelings of depression and loneliness. The national suicide lifeline is available with trained counselors to help 24 hours per day. The number is 800-273-8255.