“Even if you don’t think so right now, you will experience joy again, you will laugh again, you will feel whole again,” states a social media post from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Utah. This is something that people may not believe when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. That’s why it’s so important to reach out for help when we, ourselves, or those around us are experiencing thoughts of hopelessness. How do we reach out? Here are a few resources for help.

988

This is simple. Three numbers, just like 911. But in this case, those numbers will connect the caller or texter with a skilled and compassionate counselor 24 hours a day. There is no cost to use this service. In addition to providing a listening ear and support, counselors will connect callers with local resources, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team right here in Utah County. In case your loved ones don’t know about 988, spread the word.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, sprc.org, is full of news reports and data and includes an online library and resources for different states. This is a great website for starting to learn more and looking up information that might help you or a loved one.

NAMI Utah

National Alliance on Mental Health Utah, namiut.org, is another great site where you can learn about Utah statistics, trainings, risk factors and how to talk about this difficult subject. There are ways to get involved listed on the site as well.

Hope4Utah

Many people think of Hope Squads as a program just for schoolchildren. While this is a suicide prevention program in many schools, the site lists local resources for people of all ages. There is even a Parent Resources section that has lessons for use in families. Check out hope4utah.com to learn more.

AFSP Utah

The America Foundation for Suicide Prevention, afsp.org, has a website that includes local events, volunteer opportunities, programs, education and support for individuals. There is a section that will walk a person through how to talk to individuals who may be in crisis, a section for survivors of suicide loss, self-care information and videos of people offering support and advice.

These are just a few resources to help us all in our fight to prevent suicide, but there are many more out there. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and, more importantly, check on each other often.