September and Suicide Prevention: Promoting Awareness, Access, and Action
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a month dedicated to hearing and helping those who have experienced suicidal behaviors or have been affected by suicide. Suicidal behavior can look very different from person to person and no two people experience it the same, making it sometimes difficult to understand. With suicide rates climbing in Tennessee, it is important to know the facts about suicide and the best methods of prevention to make a change moving forward.
The first step in preventing suicide is knowing: Knowing what suicidal behavior is, how it functions, and how it can appear in every-day life. Suicide is the result of suicidal behaviors or ideation. Many people know what suicide is but may not understand the thoughts and behaviors that lead to one taking their own life. In its 2025 Annual Suicide Prevention Report, the Tennessee Department of Health explains, when a person has serious thoughts about dying or ending their life, this is called suicidal ideation (or suicidal thinking/thoughts). Suicidal ideation varies in content and severity for those who experience it, but it should always be taken seriously and be addressed quickly.
Suicidal behavior looks different from suicidal thinking. Often suicidal behavior appears through actions and can be noticed by others. This is why it is important to know the warning signs and how to address them. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes suicidal behaviors besides suicidal thinking as:
- Actively planning methods of suicide.
- Withdrawing from usual activities.
- Sleeping or eating more or less than usual.
- Participating in reckless behavior that is out of character or behavior that could harm themselves (like increased use of drugs or alcohol).
- Expressing hopelessness about the future.
- Displaying severe emotional pain.
- Recent increased agitation or irritability.
- Previous suicide attempts.
The 2025 Tennessee Annual Suicide Prevention Report explains, from 2022 to 2023, the suicide rate in Tennessee increased from 17.7 to 17.9 deaths per 100,000 persons. More specifically, the suicide rate among children and youth aged 10–17 rose by 47% between 2022 and 2023. And, it was reported that eastern regions of Tennessee had the highest rates of suicide. Tennesseans and their mental health are at risk. It is important to understand potential warning signs of suicide and methods of suicide prevention to continue uplifting and inspiring our communities.
Whether you are struggling yourself, or know someone who may be struggling, make a difference this Suicide Prevention Month by fostering open conversations and listening to the warning signs. An excellent resource provided in Tennessee is the Promise to Call campaign, encouraging community members to reach out to a loved one, friend, or counselor for help if they have thoughts of taking their life, and provide others with help if possible. Take action today.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, consult the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available by call or text at 988.
For additional mental health or substance use support, contact Volunteer Behavioral Health’s Centralized Access Line at 1-877-567-6051.