The number of deaths by suicide in Warren County doubles in the last two years

Bowling Green, KY.- The Warren County Coroner has released his annual report and we’re seeing a rise in the amount of suicides. The number of deaths by suicide has doubled in just two years.

The recently released 2023 Warren County Coroner’s Report shows the number doubled from 13 deaths in 2021 to 26 deaths in 2023, with the highest number of suicides reported in December.

Director of Community Engagement at Life Skills, Melanie Watts, says “Suicide is a permanent fix to a temporary problem. But they’re in those shoes at that moment, they can’t see past it, they can’t see it getting better, they don’t have that hope, and once you lose that hope, it’s really hard to bounce back from.”

This trend has many wondering what is behind this increase in suicidal deaths. Mental Health Experts say that a number of societal challenges factor into why someone, of any age may want to harm themselves.

Experts say that if your mental health is struggling, prioritizing that care is most important. Watts says “If you can’t take care of yourself, and you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help others, and that’s the most important thing. So, whatever it is you need to do, you do that for yourself, to benefit yourself, so you can be beneficial to others.”

Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is by asking for help, and one way to find local help is 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. Allie Billingsley, Manager at Life Skills Adult Crisis Unit, says, “988 has recently come back to this area, it’s for anyone experiencing suicidal ideation, mental health issues, or substance use issues. They can text 988, call 988, and talk to someone here.”

Mental Health Experts say a typical reason some may not reach out for help is because they feel others cannot relate to them, but communication can go a long way in suicide prevention. Watts says, “There are people who care. Some people will listen. There is always someone who will listen to you, you just have to put yourself out there for them.”

The Warren County Coroner’s Report also shows a slight uptick in drug overdose deaths this year. 28 overdose deaths were reported in 2022, while 31 people died from drug overdose in 2023. Homicides however are on the decline in Warren County. Six homicides were reported in 2023, while nine were reported in 2021.