A simple promise that could save your life.
In a moment of hopelessness, despair, or desperation, too many people make a choice they can’t take back. The promise is simple. If you have thoughts of taking your own life, promise to call or text someone first. That loved one, friend, or counselor will no doubt remind you that you are loved, show you that your life matters, and to help you reconsider your situation.
We’re losing too many people to suicide. Will you promise to call?
Make Your Promise
A simple promise to yourself, your friends, and your loved ones.
Promise to Learn
Suicide is a tragic but preventable cause of too many deaths. Making the promise is taking the first step to preventing unnecessary heartache and grief.
On average, we lose three Tennesseans every day to suicide. In 2021 and 2022, we lost 2,464 Tennesseans to suicide making it the ninth leading cause of death in our state.
The thoughts and feelings that lead to a person taking his or her own life hit each age group differently. You might be surprised what you learn.
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-19 in Tennessee.
- Pressures in school, from friends or family can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. Young people are especially prone to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and rejection resulting from these pressures.
- Certain populations of youth such as people with mental or physical disabilities, or people who are victims of bullying are at higher risk for suicide and suicide attempts.
- Working-aged adults are the highest risk group, with the number of suicides increasing with age through the 45-54 age group.
- Poor work performance, such as seeming distracted and not engaged in their usual work as well as burnout are specific risk factors for this age group.
- Loss of youthful dreams can result from the realization that the perfect, ideal life will not be a reality.
- Older adults have the highest rate of suicide per 100,000 Tennesseans.
- Depression is a major factor in late-life suicides. It is more than just “sadness” that all people experience occasionally. It is a deeper and more long-lasting feeling of hopelessness and despair. Depression is not a natural part of aging, and it can be treated successfully.
- Chronic Illness afflicts some older adults with serious, painful, or debilitating results. Coupled with feelings of hopelessness and despair, such illnesses may lead an older person to thoughts of suicide.
Want to learn even more?
Connect with these great resources to download a handout, take a screening, schedule a training, and keep in touch.
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is a statewide organization working tirelessly to eliminate the stigma of suicide. TSPN offers different trainings specialized for business, schools, and community groups to detect warning and risk factors of suicide. These are FREE sessions and you can choose which one you think will best suit your audience.
The Jason Foundation
The Jason Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
Mental Health America Screenings
Mental Health Association affiliates MHA of the Midsouth and MHA of East Tennessee provide outreach and support for people at every point in their mental health journey. Both organizations offer a range of screening and trainings.
Promise to Listen
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What will you do when someone reaches out to you a time of need? One of the goals of Promise to Call is to prepare you ahead of time so that you’re not shocked or scared and able to offer support without judgement. Another goal of this program is to reduce the stigma of asking for help so that people access what they need before getting to the suicidal crisis point. Here are some great resources that can help prepare you now so you’ll be ready.
The #BeThe1To movement offers five steps to help someone who is in crisis.
- Ask. Ask the question “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Be there. Be physically present with the person, speak with them on the phone, or connect in in any way you can while keeping yourself safe.
- Help keep them safe. Ask more questions to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.
- Help them connect. Help the person connect with ongoing supports like the 988 Lifeline.
- Follow up. Follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call.
These evidence-based action steps provide a blueprint for reaching and helping someone in crisis.
Read More: How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline also offers some great resources on how to help someone including Do’s and Don’ts and the basics of active listening.
Read More: https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
The Jed Foundation (JED) offers several great tips to help a friend who may be suicidal. Here are just a few:
- Be Supportive, Not Judgmental
- Take Them Seriously
- Encourage Them to Seek Help
Read More: How to Help a Friend Who May Be Feeling Suicidal
Ready to take the next step on responding to someone experiencing thoughts of suicide? Question, Persuade, Refer is a simple program that you can complete in an hour-long training for yourself or a group of people. Reach out to TSPN to learn more.
Promise to Listen
What will you do when someone reaches out to you a time of need? One of the goals of Promise to Call is to prepare you ahead of time so that you’re not shocked or scared and able to offer support without judgement. Another goal of this program is to reduce the stigma of asking for help so that people access what they need before getting to the suicidal crisis point. Here are some great resources that can help prepare you now so you’ll be ready.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline also offers some great resources on how to help someone including Do’s and Don’ts and the basics of active listening.
Read More: https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
The Jed Foundation (JED) offers several great tips to help a friend who may be suicidal. Here are just a few:
- Be Supportive, Not Judgmental
- Take Them Seriously
- Encourage Them to Seek Help
Read More: How to Help a Friend Who May Be Feeling Suicidal
Ready to take the next step on responding to someone experiencing thoughts of suicide? Question, Persuade, Refer is a simple program that you can complete in an hour-long training for yourself or a group of people. Reach out to TSPN to learn more.
Promise to Listen
What will you do when someone reaches out to you a time of need? One of the goals of Promise to Call is to prepare you ahead of time so that you’re not shocked or scared and able to offer support without judgement. Another goal of this program is to reduce the stigma of asking for help so that people access what they need before getting to the suicidal crisis point. Here are some great resources that can help prepare you now so you’ll be ready.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline also offers some great resources on how to help someone including Do’s and Don’ts and the basics of active listening.
Read More: https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
The Jed Foundation (JED) offers several great tips to help a friend who may be suicidal. Here are just a few:
- Be Supportive, Not Judgmental
- Take Them Seriously
- Encourage Them to Seek Help
Read More: How to Help a Friend Who May Be Feeling Suicidal
Ready to take the next step on responding to someone experiencing thoughts of suicide? Question, Persuade, Refer is a simple program that you can complete in an hour-long training for yourself or a group of people. Reach out to TSPN to learn more.
Connect With Help Now
If you or someone you love is considering suicide, please reach out for help. Trained professionals in your area are available any day, any time. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is answered by trained and caring counselors at call centers in Tennessee who can assess your situation and connect you with the appropriate resources.
Call or Text 988 and press 0 to speak to someone who can help.
Chat: 988lifeline.org
About This Page
Promise to Call is a suicide prevention campaign organized by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. If you need immediate assistance for a mental health crisis or suicide emergency, please call or text 988 and press 0 to speak to someone who can help.