“Together we can create a world without suicide,” reads a recent social media post from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Utah, afsputah. While we continue to keep conversations about mental health and suicide prevention active, we can work toward this goal. Breaking the silence about suicide is the first step. That’s what Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is all about.

In addition to breaking the silence, there are other ways to help. Sharing resources with loved ones is a great start. With these resources, we can find help, support, education, and volunteer opportunities.

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, data, an online library and resources for different states. This is a great website to start to learn more and look up information that might help you or a loved one.

NAMI Utah

National Alliance on Mental Health Utah, namiut.org, is another great site to 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

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, selfcare 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. We can all work to keep the efforts of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month going on all year.

If you or someone you know is struggling right now, reach out for support. You can always call or text 988, 24/7 every day of the year.