KNOXVILLE, TN – Almost 50,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in each of the past few years. According to mental health experts, everyone can help prevent suicide.
(National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255. Mental Health Association of East Tennessee is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their phone number is 865-584-9125.)
Ben Harrington is the CEO of the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee. He said that in the past few years, the risk of suicide has grown.
The first steps are to ask someone about their thoughts if they show signs of considering suicide. Then, the most important step is to listen.
“‘Are you thinking about harming yourself? Are you going to harm yourself?’ I would ask that question because I would rather put my foot in my mouth than do nothing and then that person does take their life,” Harrington said.
In the last few years, there have been more than 1,000 suicide deaths per year in Tennessee. The Knox County medical examiner reported that suicides increased substantially last year.
It’s a startling piece of data, Harrington said, that shows something isn’t working.
“It tells us a lot and it tells us we need to do better so no one can reach that level of despair, where they think that’s the only way out of whatever it is that troubles them,” said Harrington.
Most importantly he said that if you see something, say something. Or, better yet, ask the person if they are thinking about harming themselves. One sign someone is at risk is a change in their behavior.
A sudden shift in a person’s attitude, mood or perspective can indicate underlying issues. Harrington said that it often shows mental health workers that they need to intervene, and also gives them a chance to understand the issues a person is facing.
“Get them engaged in treatment and then we can prevent the toll of a suicide attempt,” Harrington said.
Here’s how you can spot some of the signs of suicide in yourself or loved one:
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Feeling hopelessness or like they have no purpose
- Trouble sleeping and eating
- Or increased anxious, agitated, or depressed behavior.
(WBIR)
Comments