This September, Forward Counseling joins in recognizing Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. In a world where we increasingly understand the importance of mental health for our overall well-being, addressing suicide prevention becomes very important. This guide explores this important topic, looking at why it matters and providing valuable insights to help people and communities save lives.

In 2020, there were 124,183 suicides in the United States. This is a rate of 17.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

• Men are more likely to die by suicide than women. The suicide rate for men is 22.4 per 100,000 people, while the suicide rate for women is 15.6 per 100,000 people.

• The suicide rate is highest among middle-aged adults (ages 45–64).

• People with mental health conditions are at increased risk of suicide. The most common mental health conditions associated with suicide are depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

• People who have experienced a traumatic event, such as sexual assault or combat, are also at an increased risk of suicide.

• People who have access to firearms are more likely to commit suicide.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the suicide rate in Tennessee was 17.5 per 100,000 people in 2021. This is higher than the national rate of 14.0 per 100,000 people.

The suicide rate in Tennessee has been increasing in recent years. In 2015, the suicide rate was 16.1 per 100,000 people.

The suicide rate in Tennessee is higher for males than females. In 2021, the suicide rate for males in Tennessee was 28.7 deaths per 100,000 males compared to 6.7 deaths per 100,000 females.

The suicide rate in Tennessee is also higher in certain areas of the state. For example, the suicide rate in rural areas is higher than the suicide rate in urban areas.

With these statistics, Forward Counseling unites to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day, a crucial initiative dedicated to increasing awareness about suicide prevention and extending support to those facing such challenges. This day frequently prompts questions that revolve around comprehending suicide, extending assistance, and advancing mental well-being.

Suicide prevention should be a top priority for several crucial reasons.

It saves lives. Every year, countless individuals die by suicide, and prioritizing prevention efforts can reduce this tragic loss.

It reduces suffering. Suicide doesn't just affect the individuals who die; it also has a profound impact on their families and communities. Prevention can help alleviate this pain. Prioritizing suicide prevention reflects a society's commitment to the mental health and well-being of its citizens, fostering a more compassionate and supportive community for all.

Nemetria Tate, PsyD pointed out that there are myths and misconceptions about suicide that we should pay attention to. Dr. Tate emphasizes, “It is great that our society is learning and sharing more information about mental health. However, there are times that misinformation is spread that further stigmatizes mental health and may keep individuals from getting the support they need. Here are three myths and misconceptions about suicide. 

(1) People assume that talking about suicide will make someone attempt suicide. In reality, it can help decrease thoughts of suicide and increase the chance of someone seeking treatment or support.

(2) Certain age groups and races do not die by suicide. This is a very dangerous misconception because warning signs are not seen as serious for these individuals, decreasing the chance of them receiving help.

(3) There is a specific way a person looks or behaves when considering suicide. While warning signs, such as depressed mood and social isolation should be taken seriously, they are not the only signs. Some behaviors that are normalized may actually be warning signs. These signs can include but are not limited to, engaging in endangering behaviors, substance abuse, giving away precious items, and changes in sleep and eating patterns.”

Thus, mental health problems are strongly connected to suicide in various ways:

1. People dealing with issues like depression and anxiety are more likely to have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal actions. These mental health problems can create feelings of hopelessness and sadness, which are factors that increase the risk of suicide. Often, they occur together. For instance, someone with severe anxiety might also experience depression. When these conditions overlap, the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts can become more serious.

2. Life changes, such as going through a divorce, losing a job, or losing a loved one, can trigger or worsen mental health problems. During these tough times, individuals may be more prone to thinking about suicide as they struggle to deal with the changes and emotional pain. This can result in them isolating themselves and feeling ashamed or afraid of judgment, which raises their risk of having suicidal thoughts.

3. These mental health conditions can affect a person's judgment, self-control, and ability to cope with stress and difficult situations. Without effective ways to handle their emotions, they might turn to self-harm or suicidal thoughts as a way to escape their emotional suffering. This is more likely to lead to acting on these thoughts if they have easy access to things that could be used for self-harm, like guns or medication. If someone isn't receiving the right treatment for their mental health problems, it can make their symptoms worse and increase the risk of suicide. Stigma or difficulty accessing mental healthcare might prevent people from seeking help.

Alexis Rashelle Reynolds, AMFT, shares a message with people dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or relationship issues. She says, “You are not alone in your struggle. It is okay to not be okay; it is also okay to tell someone when you are not okay. In order to see the blessings of joy, you have to keep breathing and resist the temptation of depression. Fight for your peace and breathe it is also okay to tell someone when you are not okay. In order to see the blessings of joy you have to keep breathing and resist the temptation of depression. Fight for your peace and breathe it into your reality. Relax and release. Reveal the parts of you that oppress you from your truth and talk with a professional to help recover from those hurts and pains. We are not here to suffer but to live in abundant peace and security. Allow yourself to love yourself.”

Forward Counseling addresses and manages mental health issues through therapy, medication, and social support and can serve as a protective factor against suicide. Effective treatment can reduce symptoms, improve coping mechanisms, and enhance overall well-being. Understanding the complex interplay between mental health issues and suicide is crucial for prevention efforts. It highlights the importance of early intervention, destigmatizing mental health, and providing accessible and effective mental healthcare to those in need.

Our mission is to empower those on the journey to heal and overcome the challenges of mental health. We're dedicated to providing effective treatment that helps individuals regain control of their lives. Our holistic approach, rooted in progressive interventions, seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create a brighter future for all.

How can we help? We work with clients located anywhere!
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