Nine cases of suicide in Knox County in 48 hours
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — *If you need help, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line at 855-274-7471.*
Concerns are growing for the well-being of people’s #mentalhealth as the #COVID-19 outbreak spreads across Tennessee.
In Knox County, 10 people lost their lives to #suicide in a matter of six days, nine of them within 48 hours, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
Governor Bill Lee echoed the same statistics in a #COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday as he focused time on addressing the needs of #mentalhealth service providers and people who may be losing hope during this time.
Most of the #suicide cases in Knox County were related to a relationship or domestic partner, but they could all be the result of the effects of the outbreak, said Misty Leitsch, TSPN interim executive director.
People in Tennessee are dealing with loss of jobs and self quarantining on top of recovering from the tornadoes that killed more than 20 people in early March.
Leitsch said there’s already been a 62 percent increase in conversations through the crisis text line compared to this time last year. Anyone needing help can text “TN” to 741741. The average number of conversations is up to 80 per month.
“All of the crisis call centers in Tennessee are experiencing a spike in the number of calls,” she said.
The main topic of discussion last year surrounded #depression and sadness followed by #suicide. Lately, the main subjects have become #anxiety and #stress followed by #depression.
“I think we’re going to see numbers continue to grow unfortunately and I don’t think it’ll be immediate. I think the long term effects of the #COVID-19 are going to be devastating,” Leitsch told NewsChannel 5.
Leitsch said more now than ever, to check on people and be patient with each other.
In an effort to reach as many people needing help, the state is working with partners to expand telehealth services. More personal protective equipment have also been shipped to behavioral health care providers who need to see a patient in person.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will also use a $10 million federal grant to take behavioral services to rural areas by funding a pair of mobile health clinics.
While Robin Nobling of #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness made her organization’s support groups and other meetings virtual, many people in Tennessee do not have access to internet or telehealth services.
Nobling encouraged people who may need help to call their information and referral helpline at 615-891-4724. The group served up to 2,000 people through its direct services last year.
#NAMI hasn’t received an uptick of calls through its daily hotline currently, but Nobling said the type of calls are more worrisome.
“We’re getting more calls from people who are #anxious or family members of people who are #anxious. What we want people to know is that they can connect with us directly,” Nobling told NewsChannel 5.
#COVID-19 also affected #NAMI’s NAMIWalks Greater Nashville, a fundraiser event that raises awareness and provide 30 percent of funding. It was unposed to take off on April 18, so to continue, people can join the “Walk-in” virtually by sharing their sneaker they can get through the website namidavidson.org.
#NAMI offers wellness tips:
- Keep a routine, make the bed and keep the sink empty
- Take medications as prescribed
- Get outside, move around our yard, take a walk, safely
- Remember what has worked in the past
- Good sleep, good food, exercise
- Follow a mindfulness practice at least once a day
- Remember you are not your #mentalillness, there’s a person in there
TSPN also has tips for a suicide-safer home:
- Lock up firearms separate from ammunition in a gun safe or use a cable lock
- Be sure the key or combination are kept away from children or anyone at risk
- Avoid stockpiling lethal doses of medications
- Consider locking up medications away from youth or those at risk
- Dispose of unused or unnecessary medications
- Know the warning signs and ask about #suicide
- Find help and support
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
MORE TENNESSEE #COVID-19 COVERAGE
- April 4 #COVID-19 update: 3,321 cases, 43 deaths confirmed in Tennessee
- Gov. Lee signs order requiring Tennesseans to stay home
- Local Kroger stores are changing hours of operation amid the #COVID-19 outbreak
- #COVID-19 assessment centers open in Nashville
- List of #COVID-19 remote assessment sites in Tennessee
- Here’s where students can receive free breakfast, lunch during #COVID-19 closings
- What is an “essential business” under Mayor Cooper’s “Safer at Home” order
- Donate to the #COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
See all our Coronavirus coverage here
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is #COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new #coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, #coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. #COVID-19 stands for “#Coronavirus disease 2019,” which is when this strain of the #coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending “common sense” measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
