September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: What Every Family in Russell, KY Should Know
By Deep Waters Counseling Services, LLC — Russell, Kentucky
Every September, communities across the country observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence around suicide, promoting mental health education, and connecting people to life-saving resources. At Deep Waters Counseling Services, LLC, serving Russell, Kentucky and the surrounding Tri-State area, we believe awareness is the first step toward prevention — and that no one in our community should face a mental health crisis alone.
This post shares the latest data from trusted federal sources, explains the warning signs of suicide risk, and outlines where to turn for help — including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Matters
Suicide prevention isn't just a September conversation — it's a year-round public health priority. But dedicating a month to awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages open conversations about mental health, and reminds people that help is available.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was responsible for 48,824 deaths in the United States in 2024, and it remains one of the leading causes of death nationwide. The national suicide rate stood at 13.7 per 100,000 people — a figure that, while showing a slight decline from 2023, remains far too high. Behind every one of these numbers is a person, a family, and a community left grieving. (CDC Suicide Data and Statistics)
Suicide and Mental Health: The Numbers That Matter
Understanding the scope of the crisis helps us respond with compassion and urgency. Here is what the data — sourced directly from federal .gov agencies — tells us:
Suicide is a leading cause of death. The CDC reports suicide remains among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. (CDC)
Millions struggle silently. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that 5.5% of U.S. adults had serious thoughts of suicide in 2024, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). (NIMH: Suicide Statistics)
Mental illness is common. More than one in five U.S. adults — an estimated 59.3 million people — live with a diagnosable mental illness in any given year, according to NIMH. (NIMH: Mental Illness Statistics)
Serious mental illness (SMI) affects millions. NIMH data show that 13.1 million U.S. adults (roughly 5.2% of the adult population) live with a serious mental illness — conditions such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders that substantially interfere with daily functioning. (NIMH: Serious Mental Illness Statistics)
Firearms are the most common method. CDC data show firearms account for more than half of all suicide deaths in the U.S., underscoring the importance of lethal-means safety as part of any prevention plan. (CDC WISQARS)
Treatment gaps persist. Access to timely mental health and substance use treatment remains a challenge in many communities, including rural areas like ours in Kentucky.
These statistics make one thing clear: mental health struggles and suicide risk touch nearly every family, workplace, and school in America — including right here in Greenup County and the surrounding region.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing when someone may be struggling. According to SAMHSA and the CDC, common warning signs include:
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Dramatic mood swings
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
Expressing feelings of being a burden to others
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, do not wait. Reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis line immediately.
Get Help Now: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, help is available right now, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Chat online at 988lifeline.org
Text "HELLO" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
Call 911 if there is immediate danger to life
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential resource staffed by trained crisis counselors who can help with suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, substance use concerns, and emotional distress. Learn more directly from the federal source: SAMHSA — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How Deep Waters Counseling Services Supports Our Community
At Deep Waters Counseling Services, LLC in Russell, Kentucky, our mission is to walk alongside individuals and families navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and serious mental illness. We provide a safe, judgment-free space for people to process difficult emotions and build practical coping strategies before a crisis point is reached.
Our approach to suicide prevention and mental health care includes:
Individual counseling for adults, teens, and families facing depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm
Crisis-informed care that helps clients build a personalized safety plan
Support for serious mental illness, including mood disorders and trauma-related conditions
Compassionate, local care rooted in understanding the unique needs of Eastern Kentucky and the Tri-State community
If you or a loved one is struggling, you do not have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Deep Waters Counseling Services, LLC — Russell, Kentucky
(606) 388-9170 974 Diederich Blvd, Russell, KY 41169 bruce@deepwatersky.net
Additional Credible Resources
Veterans Crisis Line (call 988, then press 1)
This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911 immediately.