Volunteers organize concert for suicide prevention

SALT LAKE CITY — This story starts with something hard…

“A lot of it was my divorce…”

About four years ago, an event changed so much about Jessica Seller’s life. She experienced some deep depression, but as she opened up, others did too.

And she learned more recently that sometimes you have no idea just how bad some people are feeling.

“I just lost a childhood friend of mine a couple of weeks ago,” Sellers said. “It was so sad because he was so loved and was such a wonderful person. And you think ‘Oh gosh, what makes a person think that’s where they need to go?'”

Sellers started turning to others. She saw as a substitute teacher, that many teens seem to struggle the most.

She wanted to figure out how we in our communities can better prevent suicide.

Her kids pitched in, offering some pop-up concerts.

She also started The Overcomers Magazine. It was a place to gather stories from inspiring people.

“I had so many good therapists and coaches and teachers that I learned from,” Sellers said. “I felt like I was standing on the shoulders of giants, even just in my neighborhood.”

Now, to take that message further she is organizing a concert, featuring YouTube artist Jordan James and some of the motivational speakers Sellers met through her website.

“I hope they’ll come away feeling like they can talk about things with their neighbor,” she said.

That concert is set for Nov. 4 at 7 pm in Provo. Organizers are still finalizing the location, but you can keep up on that through their website.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

You can also text TALK to 741741 and parents, students, and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SAFEUT to connect with a licensed crisis counselor.

Additional resources

• Parents, students, and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SAFEUT to connect with a licensed crisis counselor.
• First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals, can chat with a crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app and members of the National Guard can access help through the SafeUTNG app.
• For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call the Utah Warm Line at 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• At Huntsman Mental Health Institute, women can access maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org, a campaign by the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition offers suicide prevention training and has resources for faith-based groups, youth, LGBTQ+, and Employers.

Other community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention services, support groups, mental health education, counseling services and support:

• NAMI Utah: education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness
• Latino Behavioral Health Services: Latinx mental health education and support
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Utah Chapter
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center
• Utah Pride Center: empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mental health
• Center for Workplace Mental Health: suicide prevention and response for employers

Additional crisis hotlines

• Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
• Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
• National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386