Tales From Utah Valley: Event to discuss mental health, suicide prevention

Jeremy Hall
Laura GilesTalking to others, especially children, about suicide and grief can be very difficult. We don’t always know what to say, and we are often afraid of saying the wrong things. Or, we may wonder if we should say anything at all.
On Jan. 21 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., a PG Cares Table Talk discussion lunch will be held to learn more about this important topic. Community members are invited to attend and can even eat lunch while learning. The event will be held at the Pleasant Grove Public Library, 30 E. Center St.
“We have decided to cover this topic in January to bring awareness and give people the words to help and empower them to connect with others,” said Nicole Khountham, PG Cares program coordinator. “January is a hard month for many reasons. There is the post-holiday blues that can be emotionally challenging, creating loneliness, sadness and disappointment. There is also the cold and dark weather that affects our mental health. The days are shorter, people stay inside more due to the cold weather. Winter blues are real.”
Khountham said that discussions around mental health and suicide prevention will help raise awareness about resources and support services and empower community members to know how to help each other and themselves. Another purpose for the event is to encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being and foster a supportive community, reducing the stigma that often surrounds mental health. Even though the event will be held this month, mental health support is essential year-round, Khountham said.
The discussion lunch is free and food is provided. However, participants must sign up ahead of time at https://tinyurl.com/ynv4vehb.
“We do cap the number based on what the library can hold. They have been great partners in letting us hold different classes there,” Khountham said. PG Cares will also hold Table Talk discussion lunches on different topics in March, April, July or August, October and November. “We bring in experts who can give real answers,” she said.
PG Cares, part of the Communities That Care Coalition, hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help community members. A new parenting workshop is starting up this month. Also, on Feb. 26, comedian-musician Kirby Heyborne will be the guest speaker at an event geared toward teens. For more information about upcoming events, visit the PG Cares website at pgcaresutah.org. Also, follow them on Instagram @pgcares or Facebook at PG Cares.