UC Shows Highest Suicide Rate In Tennessee

September is Suicide Prevention Month and a local suicide prevention expert said the Upper Cumberland region has the highest suicide rate in Tennessee.

Michael Anderson directs the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s Upper Cumberland office. Anderson said the high suicide rate in the Upper Cumberland has been a long-term trend.

“Rural areas all across America will have an increased suicide risk,” Anderson said. “Here in the Upper Cumberland, we do have an increased rate of suicide. We also have less mental health providers than say urban areas like Nashville, Knoxville, Chatanooga, or Memphis.”

Anderson said the numbers show that most cases of suicide come from white males aged 45 to 64. Anderson said the numbers are misleading and that any demographic is susceptible to suicide.

“Depression and thoughts of suicide are a universal risk,” Anderson said. “Regardless of what your age race, sex, religion, background is, or frankly where you live. It’s more of a topic of your access to how many health providers in your area.”

Anderson said Tennessee Suicide Prevention is targeting those who have untreated clinical depression. Anderson said depression usually comes with a co-occurring anxiety. Anderson said there are a few signs to look out for if you think someone is considering suicide.

“If they are acquiring a gun when it doesn’t seem to make sense that could be a warning sign,” Anderson said. “If they are stockpiling pills, I mentioned depression could be co-occurring with substance abuse disorder. If moodiness or if the person’s actions or the things they think about seem to be governed by this feeling or overreaching under this umbrella of hopelessness is a big red flag.”

Anderson also makes end-of-life statements and giving away prized possessions can also be signs. Anderson said the public is usually really good at detecting signs but some people may be too scared to ask the person if they are okay.

“They don’t want to offend the person or they don’t want to upset them or maybe make things worse,” Anderson said. “Sometimes folks are afraid they will put the idea of suicide in somebody’s mind.”

Anderson said he encourages people to not be afraid and feel empowered to check on friends and family to make sure they are okay. Anderson said TSP provides free warning sign classes to train people on detecting these signs.

Anderson said he does not want to alarm people with the concerning numbers but wants to educate the Upper Cumberland about what is happening in there backyard.

“It’s a great place to live and grow up and raise your family,” Anderson said. “But we do have issues for public health and public safety, and one of those is a high suicide rate. It’s something that we need to be educated on and look for warning signs and intervene when we get the chance to get folks the help they need.”