In Kentucky, suicide is the second leading cause of death from ages 10 to 34, and the state loses around 850 people a year to suicide.
Tayloria Schlosser lost her daughter just the day before she was set to start the spring semester of her sophomore year at the University of Kentucky. She urges parents and friends not to assume someone is fine from outward appearances alone.
"You know, they've got the grades, they've got the clothes, they've got the friends, they've got the activities, they're building their resume. But you know, maybe there's something going on inside," she says. "Having that conversation to say, hey, if you ever feel like you're just having the very worst day, let Mama know. Let somebody know. Because I wasn't afforded that opportunity."
Now, UK HealthCare is offering a free training known as QPR — that's question, persuade, refer — that can be accessed anytime online. The goal is to foster difficult conversations around suicidality.
Dr. Julie Sara with the UK College of Social work says one myth is that merely raising the subject carries risks.
"There's no evidence anywhere at all that talking about suicide leads someone to think about suicide," she says. "So if somebody is already so miserable they're contemplating ending their life, asking about that is often a relief instead of putting some idea into their head."
If you or someone you know is at risk, you can call or text 988 free of charge to connect with suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse counselors.
