CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW.COM) – Clarksvillenow.com provides the following links for readers dealing with suicide and depressive illnesses.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 15-24 in Tennessee and for the United States at large. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, an average of three people died by suicide each day in Tennessee in 2016, the highest recorded in the state in more than 35 years.
According to the Veterans Administration, 20 veterans die by suicide every day. With such a high veteran population in Clarksville-Montgomery County, prevention is a concern for all residents.
Mental health experts say in almost all cases, suicide can be traced to unrecognized, untreated, or poorly treated mental illness. It can happen to people of either sex, any race or ethnicity, and any economic status. The average suicide death leaves behind six survivors—family and friends of the deceased—all of who are at increased risk for a suicide attempt themselves.
Suicide Prevention
Professional crisis intervention specialists can be reached by calling the Tennessee Toll-Free Statewide Crisis Telephone Line, 1-855-Crisis1, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These services and immediate assistance can also be received by calling 911.
Common suicide warning signs include feeling hopeless or helpless; being sad or depressed most of the time; experiencing strong anger; talking or writing about death; withdrawing from family and friends; acting impulsively; losing interest in previously enjoyed activities; abusing alcohol and/or drugs; not doing well at work or school; reckless behavior; writing a will; and experiencing a change in eating and/or sleeping habits.
Suicide.org is a non-profit organization and website that maintains a list of additional state and national resources to help those with questions. A list of toll-free telephone numbers for assistance and services in Tennessee may be found at www.suicide.org or by calling 1-800-SUICIDE.
OTHER RESOURCES:
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers a crisis hotline that offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-855-CRISIS-1.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers a crisis line that also offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255, VeteransCrisisLine.net or send a text to 838255.
Other online resources from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are offered at www.MakeTheConnection.net and SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.