Suicide Prevention
The Holidays are hard for most people and it is ok and normal to accept help and find healthy ways to cope with negative emotions. This year has been even more difficult, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest throughout our country, and economic uncertainty for most citizens. Furthermore, COVID-19 has limited our social interactions and our ability to cope with negative emotions outside of our homes. It is more important now, than ever for you to check in on yourself, your friends, family, and neighbors.
Suicide is preventable. It is the tenth (10th) leading cause of death in the U.S. Firearms, suffocation (predominantly hanging), and poisoning (predominantly drug overdose) are the three leading methods of suicide in the U.S. The rate of suicide has risen in the past decade, with the greatest increase occurring among people 35 to 64 years of age.
The Louisville Metro suicide rate of 14 (per 100,000 population) is higher than the national rate of 12.4
Following the national trend, white men have the highest rate of suicide in Louisville.
According to hospitalization data, the leading cause of inpatient visits by preteens and adolescents was for emotional disorders. In 2011, 221 preteens and adolescents ages 11 to 20 years living in Louisville were hospitalized due to a major depressive disorder and 79 were hospitalized due to a suicide attempt or self-inflicted injury.
Healthy Louisville 2020, Louisville's shared community plan to improve health by the year 2020, has a goal to improve the health and wellbeing of Louisville residents and specific targets and recommendations to achieve that goal. Louisville's Blueprint for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods also addresses suicide prevention.
Louisville Metro Health and Wellness has developed a resource list for these hard times. LMPHW wants to encourage all Louisvillians to prioritize your physical and mental health during the holiday season. Also, be mindful and show compassion to those who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and suicide.
Crisis Lines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255
NAMI Helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Hope Now Crisis Line 1.800.221-0446 or 502.589.4313
Seven Counties 24/7 Adult Crisis Line 502.589.4313 24/7 Child Crisis Line 502.589.8070
LGBTQ +
The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline 1-(877) 565-8860
Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Mental Health Lou 502.806.8816
Centerstone Kentucky offers a wide variety of mental and behavioral health services.
Louisville Health Advisory Board's QPR training initiative
Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group
Call 211 to connect to Metro United Way's directory of mental health resources for care and counseling as well as crisis intervention.
COVID-19 Resources
CDC guidelines for the Holidays
