Suicide has long been a painful and difficult problem facing humanity but maybe nowhere as painful as when it affects youth. Right now it’s on the uptick in Tennessee. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 to 24.  Both suicide and self-harming behaviors, which had been on an increase prior to the pandemic, have gotten worse since COVID-19 changed so much in our world.

Clinical Director for Volunteer Behavioral Health Beth Tucker says across the board COVID-19’s impact on teenage development and health has been substantial.

“The pandemic made a huge impact on school age kids but especially the development of teenagers,” says Tucker, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been at the helm at Volunteer Behavioral Health in Murfreesboro since 2020.

“For students who needed that socialization, that engagement with others to draw them out of themselves, the effects of prolonged isolation were very negative. For a person already depressed or prone to depression and other mental health issues, COVID 19 was the tipping point.” said Tucker

She says bullying became more rampant but, because of social media, its effects were magnified. Calling someone a name or making a nasty remark can be part of normal argument. “When you post it online, that’s new and that’s just part of what made COVID a more difficult challenge for these kids. Now the comment is permanent because of the media,” and the fallout can be much worse said Tucker.

Feeling supported when you are facing depression or being bullied can make all the difference said Tucker. For those under the darkness of depression and contemplating suicide, it’s crucial to reach out or at least to be open. “There are people out there who do care about you and do want to listen,” she stresses.

There’s never been more reliable resources available online either. “Telehelp” or therapy over the phone with trained professionals in real time is available. One-on-one interaction, whether voice or video, can help and that’s a big plus due to technology.

Removing accessibility to firearms is also a consideration. The number one means of suicide at last count are firearms. Sixty-seven percent of Tennessee suicides were successfully completed by the use of guns in 2021. 

Then there are drug overdoses. Experts say most overdoses are accidental, but some are intentional.

Tucker says Fentanyl has certainly added to the problem. Medical organizations have introduced testing strips for those who might use illicit drugs but have no intention of an accidental overdose. Fentanyl only takes the tiniest amount to be lethal to human beings. 

Tucker says another aspect regards drug overdoses is when a person completes a drug rehabilitation program and comes out “clean.” It is very easy for them to overdose if they begin to use the drug again.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says “one thing that is a heavy commonality among people who die by suicide is an unshakable feeling of dread, despair, loneliness, and hopelessness.”

Parents, families and friends need to stay alert. “Engaging with teenagers and kids is so important. Take the time, put the phone down. If you notice behavior of where a once-outgoing person becomes isolated, talk to them. Ask them about it,” urges Tucker.

Certain groups of youth and teens are more at risk for suicide as well. The Trevor Project released statistics which highlight suicidal thoughts and actions among LGBTQ youth.

Below are several resources to use if you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, self-harming behaviors and other related concerns.

•Youth - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The number one resource for those in crisis or who know someone in crisis is the number 988. Online: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/

• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services 

• Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network

• The Jason Foundation: The organization focuses on preventing youth suicide through educational awareness programs for young people, educators/youth workers and parents. Tools and resources are provided to identify and help at-risk youth.

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: This national resource center provides training and materials to help professionals who are working with people at risk for suicide.

• Volunteer Behavioral Health has many programs to help with teenage mental health. Tucker encourages those in need of help to call 877-567-6051.

• Mobile Crisis Services for Children and Youth: Mobile Crisis Services is a state response team that is on duty 24 hours a day year-round to help with mental health emergencies. The team’s crisis specialists can meet with you where you are. Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471).

• A schoolteacher or principal: In Tennessee, all teachers and principals receive youth suicide awareness and prevention training.

• A mental health provider

• A family physician

In Warren County, the local HOPE center, which can be contacted at www.hopecenterwc.org or (931) 507-7800, focuses on local issues around hopelessness. They look at Warren County where nearly one-in-three people are in poverty and only one in 10 people have a college degree. Unemployment, drug addiction, incarceration, poor mental health and a lack of life skills are issues which present themselves in the rural community. The Hope Center, a nonprofit organization, does its best to reach out to the troubled people of the area. The center offer classes, staffing events and support groups.