KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Local mental health experts are using National Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness about the warning signs and importance of preventing death by suicide.
According to the CDC, about 50,000 people die by suicide every year, which amounts to around one death every 11 minutes.
Dr. Thomas Jensen, a psychiatrist with Covenant Health, said depression can precipitate a suicide attempt. He mentioned that some common warning signs of depression can include insomnia, poor energy and concentration, a lack of appetite, and social isolation.
Experts have said the way you approach someone you think may be feeling depressed can have a significant impact on that person.
"Instead of saying direct statements such as 'You look this way' or 'You are this way', you can begin that conversation with 'Help me understand what is going on'," Dr. Jensen explained. "It is a little less abrasive and may bring down the individual's defenses."
Dr. Jensen recognized there is still a big stigma surrounding mental health. He said that stigma is what prevents a lot of people from getting help.
Experts say something you can do to help a struggling loved one is volunteer to go to a mental health appointment with them, even if you have to stay outside the office. They say just being there with that person can make a big difference.
Dr. Jensen also mentioned that it is crucial to prevent suicide within the 24 hours that the person is contemplating it.
"Typically what happens is, between 24 to 48 hours, people stop contemplating suicide if they are in a structured supportive environment and so it is a way of preventing suicide," he explained. "Get them out of their environment for 24 to 48 hours, support them in that window and you can de-escalate someone's suicide attempt."
Dr. Jensen added mental health resources have started becoming more common in emergency rooms as well.
Remember that help is available to you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is free to use and your conversations will be confidential. The number to call is 988.
For a list of other mental health resources available in East Tennessee here.