Prevent Youth Suicide

Overview

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24 in Tennessee. Emergency rooms often see more young people for suicidal thoughts or actions when school starts back each year.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is working to reduce youth suicide by: 

• Raising awareness of school-related risk factors.  
• Encouraging students to reach out when they need help.
• Helping adults learn ways to support youth and build strong safety plans.

Everyone has a role in creating safe places where youth feel connected and supported.

School-Related Risk Factors

Some school-related stressors may increase a young person’s risk for suicide, including:

• Social and academic pressure
• Bullying or discrimination
• Lack of sleep or big changes in routine
• Suicide deaths among friends or classmates
• Access to dangerous items or substances
• Abuse by school staff or pressure related to grades

Knowing these stressors can help adults and peers step in early and offer support.

Warning Signs

Warning signs look different for every young person. Common signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Giving away belongings
• Pulling away from friends, family, or activities
• Acting aggressive or angry
• Not caring about appearance or hygiene
• Taking unsafe risks
• Sudden changes in mood or personality
• Losing interest in school or hobbies
• Big changes in sleep, eating, or concentration
• Frequent complaints of physical pain without a clear cause
• Expressing guilt, shame, or low self-worth

If you notice these signs, get help right away. Support is available.

Help Spread the Message

Find youth suicide prevention resources like videos, infographics, and social media tools that share clear, supportive messages.

Youth Suicide Prevention Videos

These short videos raise awareness, offer hope, and remind communities that everyone can help protect young people.

• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Español (Audio Description)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Español (CC)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Sports (Audio Description)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Sports (CC)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Heartbreak (Audio Description)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Heartbreak (CC)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Bad Grade (Audio Description)
• Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign - Bad Grade (CC)

Social Media Toolkit

This toolkit includes ready-to-use graphics and messages that encourage hope and remind communities that suicide is preventable. You can download and share the materials to support youth across Tennessee.

[Placeholder for campaign materials.]

Download the Youth Suicide Prevention Social Media Toolkit

Information Sheets

These flyers help adults—such as teachers, pediatricians, and parents—recognize concerning behaviors and respond safely.

Resources are available for:

• Middle school youth (ages 10-13)
• High school youth (ages 14-18)

Sources of Strength

Sources of Strength is a proven program that teaches youth to build strong connections with trusted adults. It helps prevent:

• Suicide
• Bullying
• Substance misuse
• Violence

With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tennessee Department of Health offers Sources of Strength’s Secondary Program to rural communities across Tennessee. To learn more or bring it to your school, email: PreventSuicideTN@tn.gov. 

Learn more about Sources of Strength. 

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.

These links provide tools and support for youth, families, and communities:

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)