If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (en español: (888) 628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1 (800) 273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Concern is rising among mental health professionals, educators, hospital emergency personnel and parents about the correlation…
There were more than twice as many suicides in the United States than homicides in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is one of the most devastating occurrences a family can experience, and it is happening in younger children. In youths ages 10 to 14, suicide is the second-leading…
How did I not see the signs? What could I have done? These are questions no parent wants to ask. While suicide can be a dark and difficult subject to talk about, shining a light on it can help save a life. Suicide by the numbers More than 47,000 Americans die by suicide each year, making…
The pressures teens face today are enormous and much different than what most adults faced at their age. During these formative years, teens simply aren’t equipped to handle a lot of stress. As a result, more than ever teens are turning to suicide as a way out. In Kentucky alone, suicide is the second leading…
If you or your child needs help If you suspect a child might need help dealing with stress, depression or other mental health issues, contact your child’s physician. If you need a physician, call (502) 629-KIDS (5437) or find one today. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a list of mental health professionals and resources…
Suicide, including child suicide, is a public health issue. Suicide rates have been rising in nearly every U.S. state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2016, suicide became the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34, according to the CDC. The CDC also reports 17.2 percent of…
Another online challenge is causing concern for local parents. The “Momo Challenge” is a game illustrated by a disturbing character. Momo supposedly pops up in YouTube and social media videos and encourages self-harm and even suicide. The entire thing could be a hoax – there are still conflicting reports – but a pediatric psychologist says…
Jared Traxler almost became a statistic. At age 10, he attempted suicide. Fortunately, he was found, saved and given a second chance. It all started when he was 9. “I went into my Papaw’s room to ask to borrow a fishing pole,” Jared said. “I walked to his bed to wake him up, only to…