Northeast State Community College - We're here to get you there

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Please Read! If someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988.

SAFETY ALERT: This web page, or the web pages linked within, contains information relating to suicide that may represent triggers for survivors and/or family members.

Going to college can be a difficult transition period in which a student may feel lost, lonely, confused, anxious, inadequate, stressed, or depressed. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to take the first step and ask for help.

Take the first step. Call Counseling Services at 423.354.2587.

Northeast State is committed to the mental health wellness of our students, faculty, and staff. As such, and in compliance with the requirements of TCA § 49-7-172, the College has developed a Suicide Prevention Plan  that engages in a variety of initiatives to improve and provide crisis services. The plan provides general information about resources and information necessary in prevention, intervention, and postvention. For more information, contact Denise Walker, Director of Accessibility, Counseling and Testing Services/Counselor, at 423.323.0211 or DPWalker@NortheastState.edu, or Megan Jones, Director of Human Resources, at 423.323.0226 or MAJones@NortheastState.edu.  


American College Health Association:

  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in college-age students.
  • There are 1,100 suicides by U.S. college students per year — that's three a day.
  • Two times as many young men ages 20-24 commit suicide compared to young women.
  • 6% of undergrads and 4% of grad students say they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

www.suicide.org:

  • 75% of individuals tell someone or give warning signs before taking their own life.
  • Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
  • One out of every four women who are the victims of domestic violence attempt suicide.

  • Appearing depressed or sad most of the time. Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide.
  • Feeling hopeless, helpless, or having no interest in life
  • Feeling strong anger or rage, acting impulsively
  • Difficulty with sleeping or eating
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Obvious changes in appearance and/or personality
  • Talking or writing about death or suicide
  • Abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Performing poorly at work or in school
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Writing a will

For more information, visit www.suicide.org, www.jedfoundation.org, or www.halfofus.com.


Visit www.suicide.org/suicide-myths.html for more information.


Take an anonymous and confidential online screening at:


Learn the warning signs, symptoms, and how to respond to someone in need at www.stopasuicide.org. Visit www.suicide.org/how-to-help-a-suicidal-person.html for more information.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline


  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

Crisis Text Line / Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Partnership


  • The Crisis Text Line, in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, serves anyone – in any type of crisis – providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via text.
  • Text TN to 741741.

Frontier Health


  • Are you or a loved one facing a mental health crisis? Call 1.877.928.9062 for 24/7 telephone and face-to-face assessments.

Veterans Crisis Line


  • The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
  • Call 1.800.273.8255 and press "1" to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Question, Persuade and Refer

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) refers to the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. QPR Training is available for faculty, staff and students. Email counseling@NortheastState.edu to schedule a training session. Visit the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network at http://tspn.org for more information.

Connect with Northeast State

Northeast State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. For questions or concerns, please contact the Affirmative Action Officer.