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Suicide-Related ESSENCE Alerts

for the week of

June 18 - 24, 2023

To find more information about suicide-related syndromic surveillance efforts in Tennessee, please view an infographic describing efforts here.

NOTE: ESSENCE alerts are generated by county of residence.

ESSENCE alerts for youth 5-17 years: Hamilton County.

ESSENCE alerts for adults 18-24 years: Giles and Marshall Counties.

ESSENCE alerts for adults 25-44 years: Bradley, Knox, McMinn, and Rhea Counties.

ESSENCE alerts for adults 45-64 years: Anderson, Blount, Cannon, Cocke, Cumberland, Greene, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, Warren, and Washington Counties.

ESSENCE alerts for adults 65+: Bedford, Madison, and Maury Counties.


 Current Trends: Week of 6/18/2023 to 6/24/2023


  • The Hamilton metro alerted for the 5-17 age group.
  • The South Central region alerted for ages 18-24, entirely white.
  • The Knox metro and Southeast alerted for ages 25-44, mostly white females.
  • The East Tennessee, Northeast, and Upper Cumberland regions alerted for ages 45-64, all white and mostly male.
  • The Madison metro and South Central region alerted for ages 65+.


Additional diagnoses/concerns seen during this period that can increase the risk of a child or adult attempting or dying by suicide include:


  • Risk Factors for ages 5-17: Depression.
  • Suicidal Behavior: Intentional overdose.


  • Risk Factors for ages 18-24: Depression and substance abuse.
  • Suicidal Behavior: None specified.

 

  • Risk Factors for ages 25-44: Depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and homelessness.
  • Suicidal Behavior: None specified.


  • Risk Factors for ages 45-64: Depression, substance abuse, hallucinations, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, homelessness, seizures, and previous suicide attempt.
  • Suicidal Behavior: Intentional overdose.

 

  • Risk Factors for age 65+: Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
  • Suicidal Behavior: Intentional overdose and use of firearms.

  

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As a reminder, suicide-related ESSENCE alerts are generated when a specific county/region is showing an increase in the number of individuals presenting to an emergency department for suicide-related behavior, including visits for suicide attempts, intentional self-harm, and/or suicidal thoughts and feelings. These alerts are generated based on the county of residence.


To find more information about suicide prevention programs and services available across Tennessee, including free training on how to identify and support those at-risk, please visit www.preventsuicidetn.com. You can also consult the 2021-2022 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resource Directory

Questions or comments about ESSENCE Alerts may be directed to William Thomson, Epidemiologist within the Division of Family Health and Wellness

of the Tennessee Department of Health,

at 615-532-6084 or William.T.Thomson@tn.gov.