Tag Archives: suicide

The latest report of the mental health of Tennessee Teenagers shows the ongoing impacts of the COVID shutdown, according to a local mental health expert. The Tennessee Coalition of Children and Youth reported increases in all categories of suicidal thoughts in Tennessee high schoolers. The study reported that nearly 30 percent of high schoolers said their mental health was not ... Read More »

A new CDC report this week shows 1 and 3 teenage girls have considered suicide. In 2011, less than a fifth of teen girls considered suicide. Upper Cumberland Suicide Prevention Network Director Michael Anderson said the numbers may seem shocking, but more people today talk about their mental health. “Sometimes these reports come out and these statistics come out, and ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigating a possible murder-suicide at an assisted living neighborhood. Two people were found dead from gunshot wounds Monday morning at Uplands Village. Deputies responded to an address on Main Street in Pleasant Hill around 7:30 a.m. A release shared by the office stated that the preliminary evidence points towards a murder-suicide. Identities are being withheld ... Read More »

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline has changed to an easier three-digit number. State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commissioner Marie Williams said 9-8-8 is what Tennessee residents will now dial for mental health emergencies. “It’s absolutely good news to me, and I hope it is good news to everybody out there that is in a crisis,” Williams said. “When you ... Read More »

After his son Branden lost his battle with mental illness in 2019, what started as a journal for one Warren County man quickly became a larger mission. John St. Clair took his notes and his journal and turned them into the book, Branden’s Choice. He said that the book chronicling the time following his son’s death has an important message: ... Read More »

2020 suicide rates across the Upper Cumberland region mirror those reported statewide: steady. Hotline calls rose dramatically because of COVID last year. Michael Anderson directs the Upper Cumberland’s Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network office. He said that there was concern about a potential rise in the number. He said the numbers remained steady compared to 2019. “Everyone was holding their breath ... Read More »

Algood Middle School will have counselors available when students return from fall break Monday after a student passed away. Director of Schools Corby King said school officials have a plan in place to answer any needs among those impacted. Extra counselors and social workers will be ready to help students, parents and school personnel. King said outside counseling resources will ... Read More »

Putnam County has seen a spike in homicides, suicides and overdoses in recent months. County Coroner Tommy Copeland said additional money to fund autopsies, investigations and death certificates has been requested twice. Copeland said it had been several years since deaths had increased to a level where more funding was required. “I’m with law enforcement and fire department that does ... Read More »

Local mental health experts said depression and anxiety have been more common among men since COVID began. Dale Hollow Mental Health Director Anne Stamps spoke at Livingston’s Monthly COVID update Monday. Stamps said six million men each year are affected by a mental illness. Stamps said depression and anxiety can manifest differently for men. “With anxiety, men may experience anger ... Read More »

The Putnam County School system is seeing younger and younger students experiencing mental health issues. Director of Schools Corby King said having a $250 million dollar investment from the state into student mental health services will help expand what the system already does. King said this issue predates the pandemic, but has been heightened during it. “We are fortunate in ... Read More »