Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

June is PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD can affect anyone, and healing does not always look the same for everyone. This month is about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding those living with PTSD that support is available and recovery is possible. If you are struggling, know that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988.

Our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists are a group of dedicated and qualified people across the state who focus on training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone.

While they primarily focus first responders, those in risk of overdose + their communities, and organizations that focus on recovery services- they also can come to your organization!

ROPS provide training to any organization, place of work, or group interest in learning more. The trainings focus on overdose prevention, addressing stigma, and increasing public awareness. If you've attended a training, you know how powerful and helpful they are!

If you are interested in bringing in a ROPS to your organization, head to tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/prevention/rops to find your local ROPS.

Su***de is tough to talk about, but it's preventable. With training, resources, help, and HOPE our partners at TSPN truly are saving lives in Tennessee every day. Thanks to a landmark investment in Gov. Bill Lee's first budget, they have trained close to 80,000 Tennesseans in su***de prevention since 2020. Just an incredible achievement!

Commissioner Williams gratefully joined the TSPN Advisory Council and staff as they wrapped up day 2 of their annual retreat. This group of dedicated women and men are making an incredible difference in communities all across our state.
Tennessee Su***de Prevention Network

Men’s Mental Health Month is a reminder that stigma and expectations still keep too many men silent. In the U.S., men are less likely than women to receive mental health treatment, yet males account for nearly 80% of su***de deaths and have a su***de rate about 4 times higher than females.

Speaking up is not weakness — it is strength, and it can save lives. Let’s make space for honest conversations, support without judgment, and the reminder that help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.

The new TN law on Kratom is a month away. No matter the substance, if you need treatment, it's available even if you can't afford it. Call or text 800-889-9789.

https://bit.ly/43645J3

Tennessee kratom ban takes effect July 1 Kratom will be banned from store shelves in Tennessee starting July 1 after lawmakers branded the substance “gas station heroin.”

Asking for help is a sign of strength.

It takes courage to say “I’m not okay” and even more courage to take the next step—text a friend, talk with a counselor, or make an appointment with your primary care provider. You don’t have to carry it alone.

This month we covered coping tools, diagnosis basics, and Tennessee resources. If you only take one thing from May: you deserve support—and help exists. Save this post for when you need it.

988: 988lifeline.org
Crisis services continuum: tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis
Behavioral Health Safety Net for uninsured Tennesseans (adults + children; statewide network): tn.gov/behavioral-health/bhsn
Children/youth crisis services: tn.gov/behavioral-health/children-youth-young-adults-families
Support for Families + TDMHSAS Helpline: tn.gov/behavioral-health/support-for-families

Grateful for today. Hopeful for tomorrow.

Commissioner Williams notes on Mental Health Awareness Month with a reflection on the progress we’ve made during the Lee administration and the future of public behavioral health services in Tennessee.

Read her op-ed here: https://bit.ly/4dA7cip