Suicide Prevention Month – Myths, Facts and Hope
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time to learn, talk, and support people who may be struggling. Seven Counties Services offers help and support in times of mental health crises. We join community mental health centers across the Commonwealth and the nation to save one life at a time.
Keep these statistics in mind as you think about those who may be struggling:
• In 2024, 844 Kentuckians died by suicide and that’s about a 34% increase in 25 years. How many people die by suicide in Kentucky each year?
• Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2024.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15–24.
These numbers show that suicide affects many people – adults and youth. That is why prevention matters. To educate others, it’s important to understand the facts and to dispel the myths around this tragic outcome:
Myth 1: Talking about suicide makes it worse.
Fact: Talking about suicide can actually help. It can make someone feel heard and supported.
Myth 2: Only adults struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Fact: Teens and young people also struggle. In fact, suicide is a leading cause of death for ages 15–24.
Myth 3: People who talk about suicide just want attention.
Fact: Most people who talk about suicide are asking for help; always take that seriously.
Myth 4: Suicide is rare.
Fact: Suicide is a major public health issue. Tens of thousands of people die each year in the U.S.
Myth 5: You can always tell when someone is struggling.
Fact: Many people hide their pain. That is why checking in is so important.
💙 How You Can Help
If someone you know seems sad, quiet, or different, ask how they are doing, listen without judgement, take them seriously, and encourage them to get help. You don’t have to fix everything, just being with them can make a difference.
Seven Counties Services Crisis Team Can Help
• Walk into one of our Crisis Centers or any of our clinic locations – no appointment needed.
• Our Mobile Crisis Team will come to you to provide in-person support and help stabilize difficult situations.
• If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, call, chat or text 988, the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Your call will be confidential and you’ll talk with a trained crisis counselor who will listen with care and without judgement.
• The Seven Counties Services Crisis & Information Center (502-589-4313) provides immediate support from trained crisis counselors who can connect you with additional services.
One of the biggest misconceptions about crisis services is that you should only call when things become extremely serious. That is not true. Early support can make a meaningful difference. Reaching out before feelings intensify may help prevent a situation from becoming more overwhelming.
Call us at 502-589-1100 or schedule an appointment. If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, call, text, or chat 988.
Reviewed by Jennie Hulette, LCSW, vice president of quality, Quality Improvement
