State Boosts Suicide Prevention Efforts

From Tennessee News Service:

Earlier in 2019, Gov. Lee authorized a funding increase for the state's Suicide Prevention Network to expand staff, as suicide deaths continue to rise among Tennesseans. The executive director of the Network, Scott Ridgeway, said in nearly all cases, suicide can be traced to undiagnosed or untreated depression, among other factors.

"Suicide is a very complex issue,” Ridgeway said. “No one dies for one reason. It's usually a combination of a lot of different reasons. And that, we sometimes just do not know what that person is going through."

On average, three Tennesseans choose to end their lives each day, and suicide now surpasses car accidents as a leading cause of death in the state. 

MORE>

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

From Becky Stoll in the Hendersonville Standard:

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With more knowledge about suicide prevention methods and available resources, we are better equipped to make a difference and ensure young lives are not cut short. With the upsetting trend of increased suicide rates among youth and young adults in mind, here are several points to know and share.

Signs of suicidal thinking – It can be hard to discern between typical adolescent angst and behaviors that would indicate a young person is considering ending his or her life. But some actions just shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Take it seriously if a young person threatens to hurt or kill oneself; seeks access to weapons or drugs; expresses feelings of hopelessness; engages in risky or unsafe activities; increases alcohol or drug use; withdraws from friends and family; exhibits rage; talks or writes publicly about death. If these actions are displayed, it’s time to have a conversation.

READ MORE from Stoll on the signs and how to prevent suicide.

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

Got news? Email us: newshendersonville@gmail.com