September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
“Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34,” according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Tennessee has seen a 24.2% increase in suicide rates from 1999 to 2016, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While suicide is linked to people with mental illnesses, the CDC reported that 54% of people who died by suicide did not have a diagnosed mental health condition.
According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, many factors contribute to suicide, which can include, but are not limited to: mental illnesses, relationships, substance abuse, physical health and stress related to a job, money, legal or housing issues.
Someone who is at risk of death by suicide can display warning signs, which can be new behavior for a person, or can be increased known behavior.
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline lists warning signs as:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Behaving recklessly
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
The CDC, Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the APA and other resources list ways that people can help those who are thinking about suicide.
The APA suggests asking the person if they are thinking about suicide. They also suggest keeping them safe by reducing their access to lethal means, being there for the person, helping them stay connected with support and following up with them on how they are feeling.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255.
All UTM students have access to the Student Health and Counseling Services, which offers free counseling Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (731)-881-7750.
