Suicide among children and teens is one of the most heartbreaking realities we face today—and unfortunately, the numbers are rising here in Tennessee. As parents, caregivers, educators, and providers, we all play a role in protecting our youth. By recognizing warning signs, understanding risk factors, and building resilience, we can step in early and provide life-saving support.
Tennessee Youth Suicide Rates: A Sobering Picture
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–17 in Tennessee.
From 2019 to 2023, suicide rates among young Tennesseans increased by nearly 50%.
In 2023, 22% of high school students reported seriously considering suicide, and 1 in 10 attempted.
Most youth suicides in Tennessee happen at home, often involving firearms.
These numbers are alarming—but they also call us to action. The good news is that with early recognition, support, and evidence-based interventions, suicide is preventable.
A Story From the Therapy Room: Seeing the Silent Signs
When I work with teens on emotional regulation, I often use a sand tray exercise. I’ll ask them to build a tray that shows me what their feelings look like. Often, what they create is heartbreaking—objects that represent emptiness, death, or brokenness.
When I gently ask them to describe their tray, I hear words like:
“I feel dead inside.”
“I don’t feel anything.”
That’s when I know how deeply they’re hurting, how alone they feel, and how far away hope seems.
But here’s the hopeful part: I’ve seen time and again that when a teen has a safe space to express these feelings, everything begins to shift. Together, we build a support system and create a “Hope Plan”—which always includes open conversations about suicidal thoughts. I’ve helped parents learn the tools to support their teen through this, and I’ve walked with families through the hardest moments, including ER visits and recovery after attempts.
In over 10 years of doing this work, I’ve seen teens not only survive but thrive again. These experiences remind me every day that suicide is preventable—and that hope is never lost.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Not every child will show the same signals, but some common warning signs include:
Emotional shifts: sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or dramatic mood changes
Withdrawal: pulling away from friends, family, or favorite activities
Hopeless thoughts: talking about death, feeling like a burden, or saying “it doesn’t matter”
Risky behaviors: reckless driving, substance use, or sudden impulsivity
Changes in routine: sleep disruption, appetite changes, decline in school performance
A special note about sudden “improvement” in mood:
Sometimes, a child or teen who has been very depressed will suddenly seem much better. They might appear unusually happy, calm, or at peace. While this may look like recovery on the surface, it can sometimes mean they have made the decision to end their life and feel relieved to have a “plan.”
Signs this may be happening include:
Giving away personal belongings
Making statements like, “When I’m gone, you can have this.”
Talking about death in a calm, detached, or even positive way
This shift can be confusing and easy to misinterpret, but it’s one of the most serious warning signs. If you notice it, take it very seriously and reach out for immediate help.
Risk Factors & Resilience Factors
Risk Factors:
Depression, anxiety, trauma, or a history of self-harm
Bullying or cyberbullying
Abuse, neglect, or foster care experiences
Easy access to firearms or lethal means
Resilience Factors (Protective):
Strong connections to family, peers, or mentors
Coping and problem-solving skills
A sense of belonging at school or in community groups
Access to mental health services
Our goal as a community is to reduce risks while strengthening resilience.
Mental Health Diagnoses Linked to Higher Suicide Risk in Youth
While any child or teen can struggle with suicidal thoughts, research shows that certain mental health diagnoses increase the risk:
Depression – Major depressive disorder is one of the strongest predictors of suicidal thinking and attempts.
Anxiety Disorders – Chronic worry, panic attacks, and overwhelming stress can make kids feel hopeless.
ADHD – Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation raise the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts without much warning.
Bipolar Disorder – Mood instability and depressive episodes are strongly linked to suicide risk.
PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders – Traumatic experiences can lead to despair, shame, and disconnection.
Substance Use Disorders – Alcohol and drug use lower inhibitions, increase impulsivity, and intensify depression.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Teens with ASD are at higher risk due to social isolation, bullying, and difficulties expressing emotions.
It’s important to remember: having a diagnosis does not mean a child will attempt suicide. But knowing these links helps parents, teachers, and providers stay more alert to warning signs and take preventive steps early.
How Therapy Can Help
Evidence-based therapies give teens tools to cope, heal, and build resilience:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize harmful thought patterns and replace them with healthier coping strategies.
Trauma-Informed Approaches: Address underlying trauma that may fuel despair. Brainspotting or EMDR
Family Therapy: Improves communication, support, and connection at home.
At Tri-Synergy Counseling, we also integrate LENS Neurofeedback as a powerful support tool.
How LENS Neurofeedback Supports Suicide Prevention
LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is a gentle, non-invasive approach that helps the brain reset and regulate itself. For teens struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, neurofeedback can:
Reduce emotional overwhelm and reactivity
Improve focus, sleep, and stress regulation
Improves mood, reduces anxiety, and depression
Support long-term mood stability
Enhance trauma processing and healing
Enhance outcomes when combined with therapy
By calming the nervous system and strengthening resilience, LENS provides teens with an additional layer of support on their healing journey.
Hope & Next Steps
While the statistics are sobering, there is hope. Suicide is preventable when we work together to recognize warning signs, reduce risks, and offer real support.
At Tri-Synergy Counseling, we are committed to walking alongside kids, teens, and families with evidence-based therapy, LENS neurofeedback, and compassionate care.
👉 If your child or teen is struggling, reach out today to explore how we can help.
📞 Call us at 615-669-5242
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.tri-synergycounselingtn.com
And remember: In a crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
You are not alone. Your child is not alone. With the right support, healing and hope are possible.
Works Cited
Tennessee Department of Health. Suicide Prevention Annual Report 2025. Link
America’s Health Rankings. Teen Suicide Data for Tennessee (2023). Link
Sycamore Institute. Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Tennessee. September 2023. Link
KidCentral TN. Youth Suicides Are on the Rise. Link
Stanley, B., Brown, G. K., Brent, D. A., et al. (2009). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP): Treatment Model, Feasibility, and Acceptability. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(10), 1005–1013. Link
Arns, M., Clark, C., Trullinger, M., deBeus, R., Mack, M., & Lofthouse, N. (2020). Neurofeedback: One of Today’s Techniques in Psychiatry? Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 362. Link
Headlight Health. How Neurofeedback Can Help Treat Depression and Anxiety. Link