LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the country, according to a study by the University of Kentucky.
Each year, 800 Kentuckians die by suicide. University of Kentucky professor and Director of Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab Julie Cerel says she has found three patterns that lead to suicide. Two of them being a person who feels like they don't belong and feels like a burden on others.
"The third is referred to as acquired capacity," Cerel said. "Somehow, they've gotten past our innate ability to keep ourselves alive, through the work that they do or through previous suicide attempts."
The psychologist says calls to crisis lines have increased since March. But it will take about a year to determine if the suicide rate increased.
While we can't predict who is the most at risk, some factors on mental health include economic difficulties, social isolation and uncertainty of the future.
"Unfortunately, the hospitality industry - restaurants, bars, hotels - really has people that have less access to mental health care," Cerel said. "Sometimes they don't have good insurance, sometimes they work hours where they're not going to be able to see a psychiatrist or a therapist. And they're also in an environment where there's a lot of alcohol."
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
