The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tennessee Department of Health in recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month, according to a Tuesday afternoon news release from the department.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall and the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-34, according to CDC. In Tennessee, more than 900 people die by suicide each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young Tennessee adults 15 to 24 years of age, and the second leading cause of death of adults 25 to 34 years of age.
“Suicide is a national and global epidemic,” Health Educator Amanda Johnson said. “Despite the overwhelming number of suicide deaths, the tragedy of suicide is hidden by stigma, myth, and shame. Suicide affects a lot of people.”
Help prevent suicide in our community by knowing the warning signs and where to get help. The following behavioral patterns may indicate possible risk for suicide.
- Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
- Experience of a recent severe loss or the threat of a significant loss
- Giving away prized possessions
- Reckless and/or impulsive behavior
- Loss of interest in personal appearance
- Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department provides resources and education throughout the year about suicide prevention.
We encourage citizens to wear teal and purple on Sept. 10 in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. Citizens will notice teal wreaths at the main entrances of the health department throughout the month remembering those affected by suicide and raising awareness about suicide prevention.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) offers resources and training for suicide prevention. Find more detailed information about TSPN at www.tspn.org.