Paris, TN – September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Henry County Medical Center encourages those in Tennessee to silence the shame to help prevent suicide by being present, supportive, and strong for those who may be going through a difficult time.
In Tennessee, suicide is the third leading cause of death between the ages of 10-24 and is highest among individuals between the ages of 45-64. In 2019, 1,220 Tennesseans died by suicide. Furthermore, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, Henry County faces suicide rates higher than those at the state level. This highlights a need for increased awareness and discussion regarding mental health and resources available within the community for those in need of services.
A list of ways anyone can be there for someone else in need of help:
- Reach out to loved ones to show them you care. Check in through a text and simply ask, “How are you?”
- Learn the warning signs of suicide at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-someone-else/.
- It is ok to ask someone directly if they’ve been feeling like they want to hurt themselves or are thinking about suicide.
People in crisis or who are having thoughts of suicide, and those who know someone in crisis, should call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text “TN” to 741-741. Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
After a year of unprecedented stress and tragedy, Henry County Medical Center is looking ahead to the future and recognizing how it is more important than ever to provide resources and support for people to help each other through crisis.
In May, HCMC launched a behavioral health initiative, #SilencetheShameTN, with resources, videos, and more to support the mental health needs of our community.
HCMC has extended this campaign in the month of September to highlight Suicide Prevention and has a new video to share from community members about suicide and its effects on family members:
If you are in need of inpatient behavioral health care, Lake Haven Behavioral Health Center at Henry County Medical Center offers individualized care in a warm, caring atmosphere. Our team of mental health professionals will do a thorough evaluation to help determine what’s causing your distress and how we can best help you.
Our clinical team will check to see if there is any underlying medical or biochemical origin to your symptoms. The team will then work with you, your family and other health care professionals to develop a course of treatment that’s right for you.
Treatment services include:
- 24-hour behavioral health nursing care.
- Behavioral health diagnostic assessment and evaluation.
- Medication stabilization and management.
- Individual and group therapy.
- Patient and family education.
- Discharge and aftercare planning.
All referrals must be at least 18 old. Referrals from health professionals, as well as family and self-referrals are welcome. Medicare, TennCare and most major health companies cover services.
Learn more about our behavioral health efforts at www.hcmc-tn.org. And, if you need to speak with someone, give Lake Haven a call at 731-644-8420.
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center