KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline saw a large increase in calls during 2023, compared to the previous year. In East Tennessee, leaders of the Lifeline said the number of calls increased from 1,192 to around 6,026.
"March 5 is the date that he took his life," said Jamie Fromberger, whose father died from suicide around six years ago. "He definitely loved a good time, and he made my childhood very remarkable."
Jerry Nugent was 63 years old when he took his own life. Countless doctor's appointments, mini-strokes and misdiagnoses led to months of health-related frustrations. But just 48 hours before his suicide, his days were booked and he had sent messages to Jamie saying, "All is good. Love you."
"He got his hair cut, got an oil change in his vehicle, booked a trip to Disney for two months in advance, bought mulch that was delivered from Lowe's," said Fromberger.
Then, at around 1 p.m., her phone went off with SOS messages from her father. He had shot himself outside a hospital.
"As he got out of the vehicle, a witness said he struggled to get out. And then he used his nondominant hand to take his life," Fromberger said.
Mental health leaders and leaders at the 988 Lifeline said people should stay vigilant for signs of suicidal thoughts among friends and family. The National Institute of Mental Health said people with thoughts of suicide often talk about wanting to die before taking their own lives. They may feel hopeless or sad, they could be full of rage, or they may feel an unbearable amount of emotional or physical pain.
Sometimes, people may see behavioral changes such as withdrawing from friends or taking dangerous risks. Their sleep and eating habits may change, and people thinking about suicide may have mood swings.
"If someone is talking about it, because they will even in a joking manner, that is something to take serious," said Amber McMillan, Senior Director of Crisis Services for the McNabb Center.
The 988 Lifeline said across Tennessee, it has seen a 47% increase in calls. In 2022, the lifeline received about 24,000 calls. In 2023, that number jumped to 47,000. Many of those calls come from people as young as 13 years old, and mostly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Most also come at night.
"It's amazing the power of listening, how someone when they feel listened to and understood they can calm down," said Scott Payne, a representative with the 988 Lifeline. "They can see that there are ways that they can handle whatever stress they are going to."
The Lifeline also launched Spanish-speaking services around three months ago. Since then, more than 2,100 people have called. That equals around 23 calls per day.
"Looking back, we can see in photos that he was a bit stoned out, maybe, and that weekend he had withdrawn and didn't really eat," said Fromberger.
Anyone thinking about suicide should reach out to the 988 Lifeline by dialing "988," or to trusted friends and family members. It is not normal to consider suicide, and by calling the Lifeline people will be connected to someone who wants to help and cares about their situation. By calling the Lifeline, people will have a chance to safely discuss anything on their mind.
Anyone who wants to arrange suicide prevention training can call 865-973-9673.