This Thanksgiving, let’s break bread – and break the silence on mental health • Kentucky Lantern

Thanksgiving is almost here, a time when many of us gather with loved ones to share a meal and reflect on the year. However, for many of us, this season, this year, has the potential to generate excitement.

The recent elections have deepened existing divisions, and for some, the thought of sitting at the same table with family members who hold different political views, regardless of their political affiliation, can trigger palpable fear. At a time when solidarity needs to be cultivated, many people may actually feel more isolated.

As a concept, Thanksgiving-related stress is nothing new. It can come from a variety of sources that have nothing to do with politics. Financial stresses, family dynamics, travel plans, and preparing to entertain guests can make it difficult to feel grateful in every moment.

But this year, conditions are poised to heighten this fear. For example, evidence from the American Psychological Association shows that election-related stress among American adults was more pronounced in 2024 than in 2020 or 2016.

So while Thanksgiving serves as a time for gratitude, it should also be a time of nonpartisan recognition: the mental health battle doesn’t follow party lines, and isolation can have devastating consequences. Most importantly, our loved ones, colleagues, friends or neighbors, for various reasons, may be struggling in silence.

As researchers at the University of Kentucky, our careers are dedicated to helping advance the Commonwealth. Often the most meaningful results emerge when we work both in and with communities. For this reason, we are calling for a community conversation about mental health in Kentucky, especially during this time of increasing stress and potential isolation.

This conversation is necessary, especially when you consider the following facts.

In Kentucky, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34. Over the past seven years, more than 5,300 Kentuckians – an average of 800 per year – have died by suicide.

Each life lost represents not just an individual tragedy, but a ripple effect of grief and trauma for families, friends and entire communities. Research shows that each suicide directly affects approximately 135 people, meaning hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians have felt the impact of this crisis in recent years.

These numbers tell a story of distress. People in our communities need support, understanding, hope and, above all, meaningful action.

What could that action look like? It starts with learning to recognize the signs of mental distress and understanding how to start a conversation with someone who you think has lost hope.

UK HealthCare offers a free online resource that empowers every Kentuckian to take this action.

It’s called Ask, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training. This short, effective program teaches skills to recognize someone in need, engage him or her in conversation, and connect him or her to resources. Like CPR for physical crises, QPR offers a simple, practical approach to addressing mental health emergencies. The QPR training is available online for free and allows us to be part of the solution, helping everyday Kentuckians support each other.

You can follow this training at ukhealthcare.com/qpr.

Our hope is that this training – and this community conversation – can help address the persistent stigma associated with mental health care in America.

Mental health stigma prevents many people from seeking help; it can be particularly powerful when feelings of anxiety are heightened by the pressure to “keep the peace” around the holidays. However, this may be a time when expressing concern and empathy can make the biggest difference.

We often hear that people feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic of depression or suicide, fearing that asking whether someone else is struggling or even considering suicide could trigger or increase suicidal thoughts. We have no evidence to suggest that talking about suicide “puts the idea in someone’s head.” Especially in difficult times, an expression of concern can be a lifeline, providing connection and support when someone feels most alone.

QPR provides us with the right questions to ask and the right words to say to break the isolation.

In addition to QPR, resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide 24/7 support for anyone in need, connecting callers with trained professionals who can provide immediate assistance. But emergency hotlines are only part of the solution; the core of preventing suicide lies in building a culture of compassion and connection. If each of us makes the effort to be informed, reach out and support each other, we will collectively create a stronger, safer Kentucky.

Of course, we hope that Thanksgiving will bring warmth and peace to all our fellow Kentuckians. However, the weight of unresolved tensions and personal struggles for some members of our community will make this season difficult. Instead of shying away from this reality, we can embrace this opportunity to make a difference.

Taking the QPR training is a simple step, yet embodies a deep commitment to building a supportive and resilient community. By having this conversation and recognizing when our actions can save lives, we can create something truly worth celebrating. This Thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only for the blessings we enjoy, but also for the opportunity to lift up those who need us most.