September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we highlight mental health and treatment options for those struggling with depression. Suicide remains the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 46,000 fatalities and 1.2 million suicide attempts in 2020. The ramifications of these figures are far-reaching. Suicide and depression affect people in every cultural, social, and economic group, including young people, leaving grieving families and friends to search for answers.
Yet for many, suicide remains a taboo topic. Some feel shame about discussing their feelings, while others may fear the negative stigma that suicide still carries in some communities.
Fortunately, there is hope. Each year thousands of those who have struggled with depression and attempted suicide find a path out of the darkness. Here are some of their stories.
Rudy’s story begins with an abusive childhood characterized by depression and anxiety. “I either felt like I was in an insurmountable rut,” he says, “or that I was being overwhelmed by too many stressors at once.” Rudy tried several life changes, including enlisting in the military, in an attempt to find a sense of belonging. He describes basic training as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced.” Dogged by fear of failure, Rudy pushed himself to the limit and completed basic training, but the stress was building. At his first assignment, he felt he could no longer stay silent. While confiding in a friend about his feelings, Rudy experienced a catatonic episode, requiring hospitalization. Soon after, he received a medical discharge and returned to private life. Once home, things darkened quickly. Rudy found it impossible to maintain steady work, his self-image was poor, and he was neglecting nutrition and hygiene. After a sullen Christmas, he felt he could no longer endure the pain. He phoned a friend and expressed his intent to end his life. Fortunately, he didn’t go through with it. But something else had changed. Rudy made a promise to himself to never stay silent about his feelings again. It was a turning point for him, and spurred him to get the care he needed. Today, Rudy hosts a live online talk show called SPSM Chat – Suicide Prevention on Social Media, where he interviews leading voices in the field of suicide prevention, and provides a forum for rising voices whose stories need to be heard. “I’m alive today because there are people around me who I can reach out to when I am suffering,” he says. “Because of that, suicidal thoughts no longer have a grasp on me.”
From the 4th grade, Star knew she had something special, a personal charm and a talent for making people laugh. “I remember my teacher saying, ‘Oh Star, she’s a card,’ and my mother saying, ‘But can she read?’” When Star grew up, she went to college, where she met a man and fell in love. After graduation, they had a big wedding with all the family there. But only months later, while the couple were still newlyweds, Star’s husband died from a massive heart attack. From that moment, Star lost hope. She felt untethered, as if there were nothing she could trust or rely upon. And perhaps worst, she lost the sense of humor that had defined her personality. Finding it again took time, patience, and a little help from Star’s grandmother. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make us aware of life’s beauties and joys. In this case it was a joke Star’s grandmom made, a joke that for a moment allowed Star to see beyond her pain. Rediscovering her humor has been a key to Star’s recovery, and she continues to use her gift to raise awareness about suicide prevention. “I have something to offer this world,” she says, and you can be sure it’s true.
Kisha is celebrating three years in dance. But learning to dance closely with a partner took some adaptation. An abusive childhood where violence in the home was commonplace left Kisha feeling hesitant about surrendering her personal space. “I’m not great about personal touch,” she says, “it was jarring at first,” but she worked to redirect her energies and gradually became more comfortable. “The thing that really drives me is that moment of peace before the music starts,” she says, “…that moment when there’s no turning back.” She credits dance with helping her conquer personal barriers. Kisha says it’s essential that we’re “able to recognize that there’s more out of every situation and we have the choice and the opportunity to pick which part of that situation we’re going to focus on.” And she has the moves to prove it.
For a writer, words are vital tools. And as a poet, Halima often wondered, if she were to see someone about to jump from a ledge, what could she do? “What would I say to make them take a step back?” she thought. But when she tried to answer, she came up short. She thought about the things people usually say, but they seemed hollow or cliche. For Halima it was a poem, Robert Frost’s Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening, that broke the deadlock. The line about having promises to keep, in particular, struck her. “You don’t have to be a doctor or psychologist to say the right words to someone,” she says. “It can literally be one word, one sentence, and it just clicks.”
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide network of local crisis centers ready to provide free and confidential support for those in need. The Lifeline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that callers always receive personalized care. The service is committed to empowering individuals, advancing best practices, and increasing awareness.
If you or a family member are struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or are grappling with the emotional issues surrounding a suicide attempt, call 988 from any phone. Someone will be there to help.
At Key Assets Kentucky, we’re committed to providing each client with confidential and compassionate care. Our staff can help get you connected with the help you need. Are you struggling with depression? Don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today!
Bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in criminology.
Pursuing my master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky.
I love working with the youth population and have a strong passion for helping others.
Fun Fact(s): I love pasta, coffee, and spending time with my family.
Early childhood development degree from Grand Canyon University.
Master’s in addiction counseling as well as a master’s in education and mental health from Lindsey Wilson College.
10 years’ experience teaching HeadStart and experience working with substance use.
Fun Fact(s): Outside of work, I love my family, friends and being outdoors.
Trained and certified in Trama Informed Cognitive Behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy
Provided individual and group therapy, specifically focusing on survivors of domestic violence and therapy with children
Over 20 years’ hospital setting and in-home hospice care experience
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fun Fact(s): Presently, my favorite activities are spending time with my family members – especially my grandchildren, gardening, and bicycling
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
In Training for EMDR Certification
Undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a double minor in Veteran Studies and Social Intelligence and Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from EKU.
Loves working with teenagers and young adults and specializing in gender and sexuality issues.
Fun Fact(s): Originally from Philly. Loves going Shark Cage Diving and Rock climbing with her husband. Has an 8-year-old dog named Charlie and who is spoiled.
In Training for EMDR Certification
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
I have experience with medical case management at UK Good Samaritan Hospital as well as a psychiatric inpatient at Eastern State Hospital. My approach is person-centered but integrative.
Fun Fact(s): I’m originally from Southeastern Kentucky and I love the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoy working with all types of populations!
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from Morehead State University
Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College
Has over 25 years of experience providing mental health and substance use therapy services to primarily incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth.
Fun Fact(s): Enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, participating in interesting adventures with her life partner, and spending time with Louie, “the coolest dog in the universe!”
I have over ten years of experience and further education working with families and children in their development and life fundamentals.
I truly think this field is my passion, and watching the growth is extremely rewarding for me!
I strongly believe that if we can make a difference in someone’s life in any way, we should go for it.
I hold my associate’s degree in early childhood education and hope to pursue my bachelor’s soon.
Fun Fact(s): I own my own metaphysical store! Entrepreneurship is also a strong passion of mine as well.
I have had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl. I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing team and for fulfilling my purpose of helping others.
I am currently enrolled at SNHU, where I am in the Human Services program. Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.
I love spending time with my family.
Fun fact(s): I can sing! I’ve been singing in church since the age of 5.
I received both my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents. I received my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I enjoy working with all populations and ages. I have a passion for working with children and their support systems to assist them in reaching their goals.
I am an advocate for destigmatizing mental health care.
I have an integrative therapeutic approach, often using techniques from person-centered approaches, play therapy and mindfulness.
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy reading and playing video games. My favorite form of self care is meditation and using mindfulness strategies!
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
In Training for EMDR Certification
Several years of experience helping victims of interpersonal violence, clients with substance use disorders, and children
Background in conducting gender-responsive and trauma-informed assessments
Fun Fact(s): She loves to cook for family and friends
5 years of experience providing therapy and mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings
Emphasis on motivational interviewing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with clients to address crises, ongoing life stressors, and symptoms of mental health diagnoses.
Preferred treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Interpersonal Therapy
EMDR-trained
Passionate about working with the geriatric population, as well as survivors of trauma and individuals (of all ages) who experience depression and anxiety.
Fun Fact(s): A Lexington native, presently living in Berea, KY, who enjoys nature, crafting, and writing poetry.
Enjoys working with people in all stages of life, drawing on their strengths to move through life’s struggles and live fully in ways that once seemed impossible
Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology
Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri
Fun Fact(s): I’ll choose a family hiking, camping, or hammocking adventure over a fancy dinner 8 out of 10 times, especially if all the kids, grandkids, and giant Labradoodle come along.
Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Over one year experience in case management, serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances in a community-based setting.
Special interest in the vulnerable population.
Fun fact(s): I love football
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master’s in Education from Lindsey Wilson College
I have training as an Adlerian therapist who utilizes a CBT approach
I have a special interest in anxiety, depression, and suicide
I love to work with clients of all ages and populations
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy swimming for self-care and walking with my dog.
Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Master’s degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
I enjoy working with individuals & families who have been impacted by abuse. I have a passion for assisting and supporting clients to reach their highest potential. I meet clients where they are and accommodate treatment based on individual therapeutic needs.
Fun Fact(s): I love to golf!
Several years of experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), identifying food deserts in Kentucky, and assisting families facing food insecurities. Enjoyed working with at-risk youth and hosting groups geared toward empowering teen girls.
TF-CBT trained
EMDR-trained
Interested in CPT, Art Therapy, utilizing ACEs, and trauma-informed care with diverse populations. Would like to help remove stigmas associated with mental health and eliminate barriers to service.
Passionate about the fact that healing from trauma can be powerful and positive for everyone
Fun Fact(s): An avid reader and absolutely loves relaxing at the beach
Undergraduate degree in psychology at UK. Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I love working with children of all ages, their resiliency is inspiring!
Fun Fact(s): I have a VERY active puppy named Oaks! We love to spend time outside.
Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Spanish
Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky
In Training for EMDR
Two years of experience working with adolescents and parents
Can provide therapy services in English and Spanish
I enjoy working with people of all ages and walks of life.
Fun Fact(s): I love trying new hobbies and foods. My favorite hobbies right now are cooking, weightlifting, pickleball, and reading.
Undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy
I have a special interest in LGBTQAI+ populations, transgender transitioning support and gender-related support, grief and bereavement
I love to work with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have pet reptiles including a turtle and several snakes
Over six years of experience as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Expertise in helping victims of domestic violence
EMDR-trained
Likes working with people of all ages and developing solid therapeutic relationships with clients, providing a space where people can feel safe and heard to promote healing and positive change
Fun Fact(s): She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her (adorable) dog
Undergraduate degree in history from Asbury University.
Deep appreciation for person-centered work.
An avid reader of classical and fantasy literature.
Writer of stories.
Fun Fact(s): I prefer manual typewriters to computers by far
Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and has Undergraduate degrees in Anthropology & Criminology from West Virginia University
Special interest in PTSD and trauma care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster parent support
I enjoy working with junior high and high school-age clients
Fun Fact(s): I love punk rock music, sewing my own clothes, and spending time at my family’s farm!
Undergraduate in Social and Criminal Justice from Georgetown College
Experience with case management from the detention center
Enjoys making various connections within the community for further collaboration of services
I love working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): The beach is my happy place; I go as often as I can.
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University
7 years of case management experience in the residential and community setting
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and am interested in gender-related support, ASD, and medically complex populations.
Fun Fact(s): I love to explore caves with my family and read anything fantasy. Avocados are my favorite food!
BASW from the University of Kentucky
10 years of case management experience
I enjoy working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have 2 dogs and love to garden
Passionate about helping adults and children with all areas of mental health
Graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors’s and the University of the Cumberlands with a Master’s.
Background in substance abuse treatment
Credentials: M.A., L.P.C.A., and T.C.A.D.C.