The suicide rate increased by more than 10% from 2015 to 2019.
A new Tennessee law aims to help firefighters suffering from PTSD
Firefighters are exposed to traumatic events throughout their career, making them more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. In Tennessee, that disorder isn’t considered work-related, which means firefighters’ workers compensation is unlikely to cover it. A new law can help.
Teens’ mental health took a dive during the pandemic. Here’s how Rutherford County Schools is trying to help.
Student mental health worsened during the pandemic. Now Middle Tennessee schools are working to support students still battling with things like depression and self-harm.
Natchez Trace Bridge barrier comes after years of waiting by mental health advocates, families
More than 40 people have died by suicide on Natchez Trace Double Arch Bridge in Williamson County since the bridge was built in 1994. This week, the National Park Service began constructing a temporary chain-link fence on the bridge to deter suicides. Trish Merelo, co-founder of Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition, and Briana Browne, who […]
Barbed wire is going up on the beautiful but dangerous Natchez Trace Bridge
The National Park Service is installing chain-link fencing on the Natchez Trace Double Arch Bridge in Williamson County, meant as a temporary solution to thwart suicide attempts. Work began this week.
For Male Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse, Untreated Trauma Can Lead To Run-Ins With The Law
Listen A note of warning: This story discusses sexual abuse and suicide. It may be disturbing to some readers. Every week, Daniel Westbrooks walks through a metal detector and several locked doors to visit teens at Nashville’s Juvenile Detention Center. He weaves through the shuffle of boys in matching blue polo shirts and gray slip-on […]
To Prevent Suicides, Emergency Phones Installed At Natchez Trace Bridge
Listen Each end of the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge in Williamson County now has a solar-powered emergency phone. The boxes, installed by the National Park Service and unveiled Wednesday, are one of several planned safety features meant to stop frequent suicide attempts.
Budget Bump Doubles Size Of Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
Listen The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network will more than double in size thanks to a budget bump from state government. Governor Bill Lee directed an additional $625,000 in recurring money to the nonprofit as part of a broader effort aimed at improving mental health.
Vanderbilt Study Of Teen Suicides Advises Extra Caution When Summer Break Ends
Listen A Vanderbilt researcher says the country needs more counselors in schools to respond to a staggering rise in suicidal teens. Pediatrician Greg Plemmons’ study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that more than twice the number of school-age children are being hospitalized for suicide attempts or thoughts, compared to a decade ago. The heaviest […]
Titans Wide Receiver Dies in Apparent Suicide
One of the Tennessee Titans has taken his life. Police found wide receiver O.J. Murdock parked in front of his former high school in Tampa with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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