Every day we lose three people to suicide in the state of Tennessee. Here are a few more facts for the Volunteer state:
- We lose one person aged 45-54 every two days
- We lose one person over the age of 65 every three days
- We lose one person between the ages 10-24 every four days
- Suicide is the 2nd Leading cause of death of Tennessee youth aged 10-24.
- There were 1,110 reported suicide deaths in Tennessee in 2016
- Tennessee suicide rate = 16.2 per 100,000 (National suicide rate in 2015 = 13.3 per 100,000)
What can you do?
1) Be aware of the warning signs:
- Threats of suicide or statements revealing a desire to die.
- Previous suicide attempts or self-harm.
- Depression (crying, changes in sleeping/eating patterns, hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies/activities).
- Final arrangements (e.g. giving away prized possessions).
- Drastic changes in personality or behavior.
2) Take the following steps if someone you know is contemplating suicide.
- Keep calm and take it seriously. Do not minimize the threat or assume it is a joke or a way of getting attention.
- Discuss suicide openly and directly.
- Listen. Show your support and concern.
- If possible, remove objects such as guns or pills that could be used to inflict self-harm.
- Get professional help.
JC Bowman 
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