Governor Bill Haslam issued a proclamation today (Wednesday, September 13, 2017) recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month in Tennessee. In Nashville, several landmarks, including the Korean War Veterans Bridge, the Parthenon in Centennial Park and the Metro Nashville and the Davidson County Courthouse, will also be illuminated on the evening of Sept. 13 in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness. More than 800,000 people die of suicide each year, and up to 25-times more make suicide attempts.

Officials says that someone suffering from depression/suicidal behavior are likely to display these warning signs:

• Threatening to hurt or kill themselves, or talking about wanting to hurt/kill themselves
• Looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary

Expanded warning signs include:

• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Loss in sense of purpose/reason for living
• Increased anxiety, agitation
• Insomnia or sleeping all the time
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and society
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Engaging in reckless behavior, with little regard for consequences
• Dramatic mood changes

If you or a loved one are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, call 1-800-273-TALK for help or referral to a medical professional. You can also reach the TN Statewide Crisis Phone Line by calling 885-CRISIS-1.