September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and fostering open conversations about a topic that touches nearly every community, including our own here in East Tennessee. It’s a moment to remember the lives lost, support the survivors of suicide loss, and empower ourselves with the knowledge to make a real difference for our loved ones and neighbors.
At Summit at Harmony Oaks in Newport, TN, we believe that hope and healing are possible for everyone. We see the profound impact that compassionate, professional care can have on individuals in crisis. This month, we want to share how you can be a part of the solution, offering support and guidance to those who may be struggling in silence.
Understanding the Crisis in Our Community: East Tennessee’s Story
In Tennessee, the need for mental health awareness and support is critical. Suicide rates in our state remain alarmingly high, with over 1,100 lives lost each year. This issue is particularly poignant in rural regions like Cocke County and the broader Appalachian area, where communities often face a combination of economic hardship, limited access to specialized mental health providers, and a deeply ingrained stigma around seeking help.
These “diseases of despair” are often linked to untreated mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and the lasting effects of trauma. When these challenges are compounded by a co-occurring substance use disorder, the risk of a crisis can increase significantly. This is why accessible, compassionate, and integrated care is not just a resource—it’s a lifeline for our community.
What You Can Do: Simple Actions, Profound Impact
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Offering support is about being present, compassionate, and ready to connect someone with the help they need.
1. Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs
Often, individuals considering suicide show signs of their distress. Learning to recognize them is a vital first step. Look for changes in behavior, such as:
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities.
- Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye.
- Displaying extreme mood swings, from despair to sudden calm.
2. Ask the Question and Listen with Empathy
If you are concerned, the most helpful thing you can do is ask directly and caringly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This question will not put the idea in someone’s head; instead, it opens the door for a conversation they may be desperate to have. If they say yes, your role is to listen without judgment. Let them share their pain. Your empathy can be a powerful source of relief.
3. Prioritize Safety and Connect to Help
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. The most critical step is to connect them with professional help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You can call or text 988 with the person, ensuring they are immediately connected to a trained crisis counselor who can provide support and guidance.
4. Encourage Professional Treatment
While community support is essential, it must be paired with professional care. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health professional. For individuals in a severe crisis or those with complex needs, such as a dual diagnosis, intensive care may be necessary. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, our residential mental health program provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment where individuals can stabilize and address the root causes of their pain.
Hope and Healing in Newport, TN
This September, let’s commit to being a community that looks out for one another. A simple conversation can change a life. By breaking the silence and connecting those who are struggling with the care they deserve, we can build a stronger, more resilient East Tennessee.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or overwhelming mental health challenges, please know that help is available. Contact Summit at Harmony Oaks for a confidential assessment. Our compassionate team is here to provide a path to safety, healing, and a future filled with hope.