EDITOR’S NOTE : This story contains discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling 988.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Mental health awareness has increased dramatically over the last decade, but suicide numbers tell a troubling story in the Lowcountry.

That’s despite the establishment of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and more conversations about the difficult topic.

Cheri Wallace received two phone calls that changed her life 14 years ago. The first came about her stepfather, Steve.

“I knew, I could tell in his voice that there was something. He said, ‘Steve is dead.’ And I said, ‘What?’ And he said, ‘Steve took his life.’ And I just burst into tears,” Wallace said.

Twelve days later, another call came, this time about her mother.

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