Prevent Suicide Tennessee

Prevent Suicide Tennessee strengthens the state’s suicide prevention infrastructure through data-driven strategies. Our work includes community-based, healthcare-integrated, and upstream interventions aimed at reducing suicide rates—particularly among underserved and high-risk populations.

About Prevent Suicide Tennessee

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

The Suicide Prevention Program was established by the Suicide Prevention Act of 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021). This law created a program within TDH to:

  • Provide data-driven recommendations, and
  • Support the implementation of statewide suicide prevention strategies and programs.

Although the Act sunset in 2021, TDH’s Suicide Prevention Program continues its work with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant.

Legislation

This law requires TDH to:

  • Release an annual report with the total number of attempted and completed suicides from the previous year.
  • Submit the report electronically to all members of the General Assembly within seven days of publication.

This law requires colleges and universities in Tennessee to:

  • Develop and implement a suicide prevention plan for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Share the suicide prevention plan with all students, faculty, and staff at least once each semester.

This law expands suicide prevention efforts in Tennessee schools. It requires:

  • All Local Education Agency (LEA) employees (not just teachers and principals) to complete annual suicide prevention training.
  • Training to include prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies.
  • Each LEA to adopt a student suicide prevention policy, developed in consultation with mental health professionals and community stakeholders.
  • The Tennessee Department of Education to provide a model policy for LEAs.
  • Limited liability for actions related to the training or policies.

Tennessee Injury Prevention Companion Initiatives and Programs

TDH Suicide Prevention Program Staff

Melissa Muñoz, BA
Program Director, Suicide Prevention
Melissa.Munoz@tn.gov

William Thomson, MPH
Epidemiologist, Suicide Prevention
William.T.Thomson@tn.gov

LaDonna Merville, BS
Communications Specialist, Suicide Prevention
LaDonna.Merville@tn.gov

Erika Kirtz, MPH, CPH
Epidemiologist, Injury Prevention
Erika.Kirtz@tn.gov

Terrence Love, MS
Program Director, CORE State Injury Prevention
Terrence.Love@tn.gov

Angela Miller, PhD, MSPH
Deputy Director of Child Health and Injury Prevention
Angela.M.Miller@tn.gov

Ashley Moore, MPH
Section Chief for Injury Prevention
Ashley.Moore@tn.gov

Tennessee Suicide Prevention Community of Practice

The Community of Practice is a quarterly convening of multi-sectoral partners involved in suicide prevention activities across the state.

Individuals interested in joining the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Community of Practice can email PreventSuicideTN@tn.gov.

About Suicide

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

What is Suicide?

Suicide occurs when a person intentionally ends their own life. It is a serious public health issue and an immeasurable tragedy for families, friends, and communities.

  • In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death.
  • In Tennessee, it is the 9th leading cause of death.
  • For young Tennesseans ages 10–24, it is the 3rd leading cause of death.
  • For adults ages 25–64, it is the 2nd leading cause of death.

More people survive suicide attempts than die. Survivors are often seriously injured and may need medical care and long-term support.

Suicide and Mental Health

Suicide is often related to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders—especially when undiagnosed or untreated. However, a mental health condition alone does not necessarily mean someone will engage in suicidal behavior.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Certain experiences or conditions can increase a person’s risk:

  • Family history of suicide or child maltreatment
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • History of alcohol or substance use
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Impulsive or aggressive behavior
  • Cultural or religious beliefs that view suicide as a noble solution
  • Local clusters or epidemics of suicide
  • Isolation or feeling cut off from others
  • Barriers to accessing mental health care
  • Major loss (relationship, social, work, or financial)
  • Physical illness or chronic pain
  • Mental health conditions
  • Easy access to lethal means
  • Fear of stigma related to seeking help for mental health or suicidal thoughts

General Warning Signs

People who are thinking about suicide may show one or more of the following warning signs. These do not mean someone will definitely attempt suicide, but they are reasons to take action and connect the person with help:

  • Feeling like a burden to others
  • Being isolated or spending more time alone
  • Increased anxiety or panic
  • Overwhelming sadness or depression
  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable emotional pain
  • Increased use of alcohol or other substances
  • Looking for ways to access lethal means (for example, searching for methods or buying weapons)
  • Increased anger, rage, or hostility
  • Extreme mood swings (rapid changes in mood or behavior)
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
  • Sleeping too little or sleeping much more than usual
  • Talking or posting online about wanting to die or die by suicide
  • Making plans for suicide or talking about how they would do it

What to do if you notice these signs:

  • Reach out and talk calmly and directly. Ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • Encourage them to call or text 988, contact a trusted health professional, or see their primary care provider.
  • If there is immediate danger, call 911.
  • Do not leave the person alone if you think they are at imminent risk.
  • Remove or secure any means that could be used for self-harm (firearms, medications, sharp objects).

Children and teens may show different or additional signs. Look for changes in behavior, mood, or school performance:

  • Making statements about wanting to die or hurt themselves
  • Being preoccupied with death in conversation, writing, or drawing
  • Giving away favorite belongings or saying goodbye in unusual ways
  • Withdrawing from friends and family or social activities
  • Showing aggressive, hostile, or irritable behavior
  • Neglecting personal appearance or hygiene
  • Running away from home or talking about running away
  • Risk-taking behavior (for example, reckless driving or unsafe sexual behavior)
  • Noticeable change in personality (for example, from outgoing to withdrawn)
  • Lack of engagement in school, sudden drop in grades, or skipping classes
  • Feeling sad, empty, or tearful most days
  • Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Complaints of ongoing headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without a clear medical cause
  • Expressing excessive guilt or refusing praise or rewards

What to do if you notice these signs in a child or teen:

  • Take any talk or behavior about suicide seriously.
  • Stay calm and listen without judgment. Ask directly about suicidal thoughts.
  • Involve parents, guardians, or school counselors when safe and appropriate.
  • Help connect the young person with counseling or medical care right away.
  • For immediate danger, call 911. Encourage or help them call or text 988.

Older adults may show warning signs that are sometimes mistaken for normal aging, but they can indicate serious risk:

  • Talking about suicide or saying they do not want to live
  • Social isolation or withdrawing from family and friends
  • Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions or preparing affairs unusually early
  • Signs of depression or loss of interest in activities
  • Strong feelings of hopelessness or no future plans
  • Feeling a loss of independence or purpose
  • Medical conditions that limit daily functioning or reduce life expectancy
  • Impulsivity or poor judgment due to cognitive changes
  • Recent losses or family conflict (for example, death of a spouse)
  • Difficulty adapting to change or rigid behavior patterns
  • Access to lethal means (for example, firearms or large amounts of medication)
  • Risk-taking behavior or sudden changes in personality
  • Misuse or overuse of alcohol or prescription medications
  • Verbal threats or statements such as “You’d be better off without me” or “Maybe I won’t be around”

What to do if you notice these signs in an older adult:

  • Take their words and actions seriously and offer support without judgment.
  • Help connect them with their healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
  • Remove or secure access to firearms, large quantities of medications, or other means.
  • If there is immediate risk, call 911. Encourage or assist them to call or text 988.

Breaking the Stigma

Despite the number of people who attempt or die by suicide each year, the tragedy is often hidden by stigma, misinformation, and shame. Some believe that talking about suicide may cause it, but research shows the opposite. Talking about suicide can help save lives. Reducing shame and stigma as a community makes it more likely that people will seek help.

How You Can Help

Suicide is preventable. Everyone can play a role by:

  • Learning the warning signs of suicide
  • Talking openly and without judgment
  • Helping people connect with resources like 988 or local mental health providers

If you notice behavioral patterns that may indicate someone is considering suicide, encourage them to seek professional help right away.

Suicide Statistics and Trends in Tennessee

Explore Tennessee’s suicide statistics, including county and regional statistics, and demographic trends. These resources can help you better understand local and statewide patterns and support prevention efforts.

County and Regional Statistics

Suicide Trends by Demographics

Data and Surveillance

The Tennessee Department of Health collects and monitors data to better understand suicide in our state and to guide prevention efforts. These reports and systems provide timely information that helps identify trends, issue early warnings, and support rapid community response.

Annual Suicide Prevention Reports

Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE)

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) uses the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) to monitor weekly trends in suicidal behavior and identify counties across the state seeing increased incidents of persons reporting to an emergency department for suicide-related behavior. Ninety-nine percent of Tennessee hospitals with ED’s report into the system.

Each week, TDH Suicide Prevention Program staff review reports on how many people visited a local emergency department for suicidal ideation, injuries related to intentional self-harm, or suicide attempts.  The weekly suicide-related syndromic surveillance includes following age groups: children 17 and under, young adults (18 to 24), adults (25 to 44), and adults (45-64). The TDH plans to expand surveillance efforts to include aging adults (65+) in June 2022.

If a certain county reports an above-average number of suicide-related emergency department visits for a set age group, an ESSENCE alert bulletin is triggered for that county and age group.  This weekly alert data bulletin notifies community partners about the increase in suicide-related behavior in their area, any trends in demographics that were noticed, and the risk factors noted during reported visits. In addition, the response also refers individuals to prevention support, guidelines, resources, and trainings.

More About ESSENCE

Rapid Prevention Response Plan

The TDH Suicide Prevention Program works with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and other partners to implement a comprehensive, rapid prevention response plan that incorporates community response samples for each specific age group. This response plan helps guide community members on actions they can take after an ESSENCE alert is received.

Partners include, but are not limited to, the TSPN, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, The Jason Foundation, Centerstone, CHASCO, BlueCare TN, Tennessee Coordinated School Health, Tennessee Department of Education, and Youth Villages.

 Download the Tennessee Suicide ESSENCE Rapid Response Plan and Guidelines (2025).

Education, Training, and Resources

Why Suicide Prevention Training Matters

Hear from suicide prevention trainers and professionals across Tennessee about how training equips individuals and organizations to recognize warning signs, respond with care, and connect people to help. Testimonial videos are available with audio description and closed captions.

Training Testimonials

With Closed Captions

With Audio Description

Available Suicide Prevention Training Options

A variety of suicide prevention education and training programs are available across Tennessee to help save lives and support mental health. These programs are offered as part of broader behavioral healthcare system resources and provide practical skills for community members, professionals, and schools.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training *

  • Description: Teaches participants how to recognize suicide warning signs, ask directly if someone is suicidal, offer hope, and connect them with help.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

Alcohol and Drug QPR *

  • Description: A customized version of QPR focused on the role substance use and addiction can play in suicide risk.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

LGBTQI+ QPR *

  • Description: A customized version of QPR addressing suicide risk within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

General Suicide Prevention Training

  • Description: Covers the basics of suicide prevention, including how to recognize common warning signs.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

Postvention Training

  • Description: Teaches participants how to coordinate a safe, comprehensive response to a suicide in a workplace, school, or organization. Includes guidance on supporting those bereaved by suicide and connecting them with community resources. Training length may vary.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

  • Description: Teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Includes risk factors, warning signs, and common treatment options.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • Description: Focuses on adolescents ages 12–18. Teaches participants how to recognize youth mental health warning signs, understand the importance of early intervention, and provide support to young people in crisis.
  • Audience: General population, with a focus on those who work directly with children and youth
  • Contact: TN Department of Education – School-Based Mental Health Supports

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  • Description: An intensive, evidence-based suicide first-aid training. Teaches participants how to identify individuals with thoughts of suicide, build a shared understanding of reasons for living, develop a safety plan, and prepare for follow-up.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

  • Description: Teaches participants how to use the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to identify suicide risk, assess severity and immediacy, and determine the level of support needed.
  • Audience: General population
  • Contact: Request training through TSPN

* Indicates trainings that are available virtually.

On the Line Training Series – Centerstone of Tennessee

  • Description: A free online training series led by expert clinicians and educators. Shares best practices in telehealth for behavioral health and suicide prevention. Each one-hour Zoom session qualifies for continuing education clock hours.
  • Audience: Behavioral health providers in Tennessee
  • Contact: On the Line Training Series Schedule

CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training *

  • Description: Teaches providers how to implement counseling strategies to help clients at risk for suicide and their families reduce access to lethal means, particularly (but not exclusively) firearms. While designed for healthcare professionals, it is also suitable for the general population.
  • Audience: Healthcare providers; also available for the general population
  • Contact: Zero Suicide Training website

* Indicates trainings that are available virtually.

The Jason Foundation *

  • Description: Provides training modules on youth suicide awareness and prevention. Covers the scope of the problem, signs of concern, risk factors, recognizing students who may be struggling, and how to approach and connect at-risk youth with resources.
  • Audience: Teachers, support staff, parents, and students
  • Contact: Jason Foundation Training Modules

* Indicates trainings that are available virtually.

Tennessee Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Education and Support (TCAPES) Consult Line

The TCAPES Physician Consult Line provides real-time support for pediatric primary care providers who are caring for children and adolescents with behavioral health needs. Licensed child and adolescent psychiatrists are available to offer guidance on assessment, treatment options, and referrals.

How to Access the Consult Line

  • Phone: 833-281-5020
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed on public and institutional holidays)

Providers may also request a consultation for additional support.

Contact: TCAPES.admin@tn.gov

Looking for Help?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

Crisis Support Services

The crisis services listed below can connect individuals and families to immediate support. 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Provides free, confidential support 24/7 for people in distress. The Lifeline also offers prevention and crisis resources for loved ones and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Call or text: 988

Website: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Logos available: English | Spanish

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 

Offers free, confidential support 24/7 before, during, and after pregnancy.

Call: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

Website: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Crisis Services Continuum

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) provides a Crisis Services Continuum to ensure individuals experiencing a mental health emergency have access to immediate, appropriate care. Services include 24/7 hotlines, mobile crisis teams, walk-in centers, and crisis stabilization units, connecting people with trained professionals for support, stabilization, and referrals to ongoing care.

Website: Crisis Services Continuum Website

Crisis Text Line 

Connect with a trained crisis counselor anytime, anywhere. Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.

Text: “TN” to 741741

Logo available: Crisis Text Line

Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) 

Provides statewide information on finding local help and suicide prevention resources.

Website: TSPN Website

Tennessee Redline

Offers accurate, up-to-date information and referrals for alcohol, drug use, problem gambling, and other addictions. Referrals are also available for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Call: 1-800-889-9789

Website: Tennessee Redline

Veterans Crisis Line

A free, confidential resource available 24/7 for Veterans, Active Military, and their families—even if not enrolled in VA care. Responders are specially trained to support the unique needs of Veterans.

Call: 988 and press 1

Website: Veterans Crisis Line

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resource Directories 

The directories below provide access to statewide mental health and suicide prevention resources. These guides can help individuals, families, and providers connect with services and support across Tennessee.

Statewide Resource Directory

The Tennessee Department of Health offers a comprehensive directory of mental health and suicide prevention resources across the state. This directory connects individuals and families to local services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups.

Directory: Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Resource Guide

FindHelpNowTN.org

FindHelpNowTN.org is a free, statewide online service that helps individuals, families, and professionals locate real-time mental health and substance use treatment services in Tennessee. Users can search for facilities based on treatment type, payment options, and current availability.

Website: FindHelpNowTN.org

Media and Messaging

Explore media and messaging resources designed to support suicide prevention, including public awareness campaigns, resources, and social media toolkits to help share accurate and supportive information.

Youth Suicide Prevention

Overview
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24 in Tennessee. Notably, there is an increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior during the back-to-school months. In response, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) focuses on:

  • Raising community awareness of school-related risk factors.
  • Encouraging help-seeking behaviors among middle and high school students.
  • Empowering students, parents, and teachers to strengthen protective factors and safety planning practices.

Understanding Youth Suicide

School-Related Risk Factors:

  • Social and academic stress
  • Bullying or school-based discrimination
  • Reduced sleep
  • Death of other students by suicide
  • Access to lethal means or substances
  • Abuse by school staff or related to academic performance

Warning Signs:

  • Making suicidal statements or expressing thoughts about death
  • Giving away belongings
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Aggressive or hostile behavior
  • Neglecting personal appearance
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Personality or mood changes
  • Loss of interest in activities or school
  • Changes in eating, sleeping, or concentration
  • Physical complaints without a medical cause
  • Expressions of guilt or low self-worth

Youth Suicide Prevention Programs

Sources of Strength
An evidence-based program supported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) to prevent youth suicide, bullying, substance abuse, and violence. Offered through schools, youth groups, and community organizations, especially in rural areas. Learn more about Sources of Strength. 

Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
TDH-funded TSPN training for individuals to identify and support those at risk. Includes Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and referrals to Be The One. Some trainings are free; others may have fees. Learn more about Gatekeeper Training. 

Additional Resources

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the following resources link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Safety Plan

The Jason Foundation

Be SMART

Tennessee Voices for Children

TDMHSAS Services for Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Families

Youth Mental Health First Aid

CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training)

Social Media Toolkits

Suicide Prevention Partner Toolkit

Suicide is a leading cause of death across the United States and continues to be a growing public health problem in Tennessee. During the annual observances of Suicide Prevention Month in September, along with National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10th-16th) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th), we urge organizations and community members to join with the Tennessee Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program to raise awareness and increase prevention efforts. 

This Suicide Prevention Social Media Toolkit includes sample social media graphics and messages to help spread the message that suicide is preventable, and we all play an important role in prevention efforts. Please download and share these messages and help us reduce the risk of suicide in communities across Tennessee.

Download sample social media images and messages below.

Think someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide? Ask if you can help. Your question might be just what they need to start their recovery journey. Get help at www.preventsuicidetn.com. #preventsuicidetn

Suicide can be prevented. Here are five quick steps you can take today. www.preventsuicidetn.com   #stopsuicide #suicidewarningsigns #preventsuicidetn #reducelethalmeans #socialconnection #getinvolved #seekhelp

You don’t have to act alone to save a life. View and download our statewide mental health & suicide prevention resource guide for support at https://tinyurl.com/947mycrk.  #preventsuicidetn

If you see warning signs that someone is struggling with a mental health crisis and may harm themselves, step up and speak up. Learn more about how to provide support to someone in a mental health crisis at www.preventsuicidetn.com . #preventsuicidetn #988

Men’s Health Month Social Media Toolkit

Gear up for Men's Health Month in June with the Tennessee Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program's latest initiative. This comprehensive social media toolkit is designed to raise awareness and promote mental wellness among men. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women in Tennessee, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and resources. This toolkit provides tools to spark conversations, break stigmas, and foster resilience.

This Men’s Health Month Social Media Toolkit includes sample social media graphics and messages to help spread the message that suicide is preventable, and we all play an important role in prevention efforts. Please download and share these messages and help us reduce the risk for suicide in communities across Tennessee.

Download sample social media images and messages below. 

Men’s Health Week (June 10-16) is a crucial time to shed light on the well-being of men everywhere. Middle-aged and older men are at the highest risk of dying by suicide. Let's use this time to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and support each other in prioritizing mental health. #preventsuicidetn #MHM2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death among men, but it doesn't have to be. Reach out, check in, and listen. Your support could save a life. Let's create a world where every man feels valued, heard, and supported. #MHM2024 #preventsuicidetn

Men's and boy’s mental health is an important and urgent issue in public health today. Men in Tennessee are 4x more likely to die by suicide than women, and are less likely to report feelings of depression or anxiety. Visit www.preventsuicidetn.com  for more information and help. If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 and then press 0. #MHM2024 #preventsuicidetn

Feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or depression may lead to thoughts of suicide. Help #preventsuicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help for yourself or someone who is struggling. www.preventsuicidetn.com   #preventsuicidetn #MHM2024

Additional Resources

Below you will find fact sheets and infographics, partner resources, and national resources that offer guidance and tools for awareness, education, and action. You can also sign up for the Prevent Suicide TN monthly newsletter to stay informed about new initiatives, upcoming events, and prevention strategies across Tennessee.

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the following resources link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Subscribe to PreventSuicideTN Monthly Newsletter

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This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 5:09 PM