Tennessee teen suicide rate slowly increasing, experts want people to know help is available

Across the state of Tennessee the number of teen deaths by suicide has seen a slow rise.

In one study, the Knox County health department found more teens are considering suicide.

At Helen Ross McNabb's CenterPointe office, people from all walks of life get help facing what many consider their darkest hour.

"We serve all sorts of people, generally individuals who are in crisis," said Center Crisis Services Manager Jamie Ogle.

The office is home to the organization's mobile crisis unit, and also serves as the phone bank for anyone calling in need of help.

Ogle said there are signs to look for in teens who may be thinking about taking their own lives.

“Show a disinterest in favorite activities, they may have behavioral problems and start acting out of character,” Ogle said.

Ogle said there's one sign that should never be ignored.

“If a child mentions that things would be better off if they weren't here, or out and out say they wish they were dead,” Ogle said.

According to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, the number of teen suicides in the state has gone up.

Between 2005 and 2014 nearly 400 people between the ages of 10 and 19 took their own lives in Tennessee.

The numbers have gone up and down: 37 in 2005, 31 in 2008, rising to 44 in 2009, and reaching 49 deaths in 2014.

Mobile Users: Bar graph showing teen suicides in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2014

Number of Teen Suicides in Tenn.
Create bar charts

Data in Knox County is similar to state numbers, showing a small increase over a number of years.

The Knox County health department survey of teens shows a rise in high school students considering suicide.

In 2007, that figure was 11.8 percent. In 2013, it was 14.5 percent.

Mobile Users: Bar graph showing the percentage of Knox County teens that have considered suicide, according to a survey by the Knox County health department

Knox Co. teens that have considered suicide
Create bar charts

For 2014-2015 the county's health assessment said 19 percent of middle school students have considered suicide.

With teens, friends can often be the first to know something's wrong, which is why Ogle said it's important they speak up.

“One of the saddest things are when kids have said, 'my friend told me and I didn't do anything about it,' so we always encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult,” Ogle said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call the Helen Ross McNabb crisis line at (865)539-2409.