A subject that has long been a difficult and somewhat taboo topic of conversation is now being addressed with compassion, understanding, and treatment.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed in September. According to statistics, three to four Tennesseans are lost each day to suicide. In 2019, which was the most recent year that numbers were available, there were 1,220 recorded suicide deaths in Tennessee.
Health officials are not sure of the impact that COVID-19 has had on Tennessee’s suicide rate, but mental health concerns are a top priority because of the pandemic.
According to Michael Anderson, Upper Cumberland Regional Director for Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in Tennessee, but it is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24.
According to Centers for Disease Control, suicide rates nationwide increased 33 percent between 1999 and 2019, with a small decline in 2019. Suicide was responsible for more than 47,500 deaths, in 2019, which is about one death every 11 minutes. The CDC states that the number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2019, 12 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
Nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the fourth leading cause among people ages 35-44, and the fifth leading cause among people ages 45-54.
“Every year, more Tennesseans die by suicide than in car accidents,” Anderson said. “The Upper Cumberland has one of the highest rates of suicide in the state, but free and confidential help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255) or text “TN” to 741.741.”
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